A Letter about Discrimination

Hello Shania,

Thank you for your post this week.  I’d like to address your conclusion regarding the best party to join Shania in her business venture.

When considering the three individuals, you chose the best option to be her sister Kelsey.  I understand your position based on their shared Christian beliefs and strong faith, but I have to challenge the assumed mutuality.  This may not be the case in every situation.  Kelsey’s husband does not support her involvement which could cause significant conflict.

  Shania might have it in her heart to share this with her sister, but she also needs to consider the strain this will place on her family.  There has been considerable research suggesting that work and family conflicts are experienced by business owners when relatives work together.  The relationships and interactions among family members at home and at work are not always seamless (Carr and Hmieleski, 2015).  The demands on a new business are considerable with owners balancing both business and family needs.  Inevitably conflicts will arise causing undesired strain on the physical and emotional health of the parties involved (Carr, and Hmieleski, 2015).  If Kelsey and Shania partner without the support of Kelsey’s husband, conflict will exist from the start.  Kelsey’s marriage, sibling relationship, and business involvement would be heavily strained.  By not involving Kelsey in her business, Shania is, in good conscience, putting her sisters well being before herself.  Kelsey might have to choose between her marriage, sister, and business.  Scripture tells us the Lord does not want us to cause our brother or sister to stumble.  We must sacrifice our personal wants in support of others.  In Romans 14:14-16, God tells us not to be the cause of another’s fall (King James Version Bible).  By entering into business with her sister, Shania would be causing undue conflict between her sister and brother-in-law.  This would be all for the sake of fulfilling her sisters wishes and a business venture.  Family should come first.  Kelsey needs to work with her husband to find a common ground.  Entering into a business without his consent would be most damaging for all parties.

Shania has started her business and became successful.  She now has 20 employees working at the coffee shop and finds she needs to hire a night shift supervisor.  Her plan is to promote from within. Her thought is that she should promote a racial or ethnic employee in to the role to demonstrate inclusivity.  Being a new business owner, Shania should educate herself on employment law.  Even though she has good intentions, this decision is highly unethical and illegal.  Under the laws enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, it is illegal for an employer to base job promotions on an employees race or national origin (“Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964”, 2018).  This is in direct violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.  In 1972, Title VII was amended for the private sector. The amendment reduced the minimum number of employees covered by the law to 15 (Herschel, and Shinall, 2015).  Treating someone differently because of their race, ethnicity, gender, or religious beliefs is discrimination.  It is clear Shania is not familiar with the Title VII protections and believes her actions are for the greater good.  Promoting based on race or ethnicity would be viewed as an act of reverse discrimination or denial of equal opportunity (Grossman, 1973, p.376), carrying legal consequences.  This may introduce animosity amongst the other employees if they feel they have been treated unfairly.

Promoting an employee should be based on the workers qualifications and leadership capabilities.  Shania should inform the staff of the job opening and allow interested candidates to apply.  She should base her decision on the interview results, promoting the best fit for the job.  The Bible tells us not to discriminate “So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.  There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:26-28, New International Version).  It is clear from this verse that all persons are created equal under God and must be treated as such.  Shania needs to proceed with caution and consult with a labor law attorney before moving forward.  Both the law and her faith will guide Shania to make the right ethical decision.  This will protect herself, the business, and the employees working for her.

References:

1. Carr, J. C., & Hmieleski, K. M. (2015, November). Differences in the outcomes of work and family conflict between family- and nonfamily businesses: an examination of business founders. Entrepreneurship: Theory and Practice, 39(6), 1413+. Retrieved from http://bi.galegroup.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu/global/article/GALE%7CA436543060?u=vic_liberty&sid=summon
2. Grossman, H. (1973). THE EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY ACT OF 1972, ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR THE STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT MANAGER. Public Personnel Management, 2(5), 370. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.liberty.edu/login?url=https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.liberty.edu/docview/215855346?accountid=12085
3. Hersch, J. and Shinall, J. B. (2015), FIFTY YEARS LATER: THE LEGACY OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964. J. Pol. Anal. Manage., 34: 424-456. doi:10.1002/pam.21824
4. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. (2018). Retrieved from https://www.eeoc.gov/laws/statutes/titlevii.cfm

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