In the circumstance that I came across a news article about one of my favorite companies facing a lawsuit for widespread discrimination against women, I would first be shocked. Then it would permanently alter the trust that I had in the company. If a company purposely engaged in discriminatory practices, I would question their ethical standards. Ultimately, it may change the way I support them, whether that is by boycotting them or supporting them much less.
However, I would be extremely wary about the source of the information. With the media and the spread of misinformation, I would have to ensure that the claims were from a reliable source before reacting in any way. Furthermore, I would be curious to understand if the discrimination was intentional or a systemic issue within their company. In the case that the discrimination was unintentional, I would give the company room to learn and take corrective measures.
Additionally, if there were claims of discrimination at a company I wanted to work for, I would absolutely not seek employment from them. As I want to go into human resources, I am very particular that my morals will align with the company I work for. Everyone deserves equitable treatment in the workplace, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or belief system. Discrimination against women would feel particularly personal to me, as a woman in business. It would be disheartening to see a company I admire fail to uphold these essential values.
Overall, the allegations of discrimination against women would profoundly impact my feelings, decisions to support, and willingness to work for my favorite company. Upholding values of equality and respect is essential, and any deviation from these principles would necessitate a reevaluation of my relationship with the company. Companies must foster an inclusive culture and address any discriminatory practices to maintain trust and support from their stakeholders.
