Chapter 4 (Managing Diversity)

The term "glass ceiling" refers to the invisible barrier that prevents women and minorities from reaching top management positions in organizations. It represents the systemic and structural barriers that limit their advancement and opportunities for leadership roles. The glass ceiling is a metaphorical representation of the discrimination and bias that exists in the workplace, hindering the progress of underrepresented groups. It highlights the need for organizations to address these barriers and create inclusive environments that promote diversity and equal opportunities for all employees.

Deep-level diversity refers to the differences in values, personality traits, and work preferences among individuals. This type of diversity is not immediately visible but influences how individuals perceive and interact with each other. It goes beyond surface-level characteristics such as age, gender, or race, and focuses on the underlying aspects that shape an individual's behavior and attitudes. Understanding and managing deep-level diversity can lead to more effective teamwork, improved problem-solving, and better decision-making within an organization.

The Equal Pay Act of 1963 prohibits pay differences for equal work based on gender. This legislation was enacted to address the gender pay gap and ensure that men and women receive equal pay for performing the same job. The law requires employers to provide equal wages to employees who perform substantially similar work, regardless of their gender. By prohibiting gender-based pay discrimination, the Equal Pay Act aims to promote fairness and equality in the workplace.

Workplace diversity refers to the differences and similarities among individuals within an organization. It encompasses various aspects such as race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, abilities, and cultural backgrounds. This concept recognizes and values the unique perspectives, experiences, and skills that each person brings to the workplace. Embracing workplace diversity can lead to increased innovation, creativity, and productivity as diverse individuals bring different ideas and viewpoints to problem-solving and decision-making processes. It also promotes a more inclusive and equitable work environment where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered to contribute their best.

The correct answer is "Civil Rights Act, Title VII, and 1991". This answer is correct because the Civil Rights Act of 1964, specifically Title VII, prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, or gender. The Civil Rights Act of 1991 further strengthened these protections and provided additional remedies for victims of discrimination. Therefore, both the Civil Rights Act and its subsequent amendment in 1991 are necessary to ensure equal rights and prevent discrimination based on these protected characteristics.

The correct answer is the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). This act provides employees in organizations with 50 or more employees the right to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave each year for family or medical reasons. The FMLA ensures that employees can take time off to care for a newborn or newly adopted child, care for a seriously ill family member, or address their own serious health condition without fear of losing their job. This act is designed to promote work-life balance and protect employees' rights to take leave for important personal and family reasons.

Surface-level diversity refers to easily noticeable differences among individuals, such as physical appearance or demographic characteristics, that can lead to the formation of stereotypes. However, it is important to note that surface-level diversity does not necessarily reflect the thoughts or emotions of individuals. It is possible for people who share similar surface-level characteristics to have different perspectives, beliefs, and experiences. Therefore, surface-level diversity should not be used as a sole basis for understanding individuals or making assumptions about their thoughts or feelings.

The correct answer is Americans with Disability Act. This act prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities or chronic illnesses and also requires reasonable accommodations for them. It ensures that individuals with disabilities have equal opportunities in areas such as employment, public services, and transportation. The Americans with Disability Act aims to promote inclusivity and accessibility for all individuals, regardless of their disabilities or chronic illnesses.

The correct answer includes age, gender, and race/ethnicity as types of workplace diversity. Age diversity refers to the inclusion of individuals from different age groups, which can bring a variety of perspectives and experiences. Gender diversity involves having a balanced representation of both males and females in the workplace, promoting equality and inclusivity. Race/ethnicity diversity recognizes the importance of including individuals from different racial and ethnic backgrounds, fostering cultural diversity and understanding.

The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act is the correct answer because it is the act that changed the statute of limitations on pay discrimination to 180 days from each paycheck. This means that under this act, an individual has 180 days from each paycheck to file a pay discrimination claim, allowing for greater protection against wage discrimination.