This week’s scenario caused me to think seriously about what matters to me in the organizations that I support and wish to work for. If I encountered a news article that my preferred company was engaging in a public lawsuit for systematic discrimination of individuals based on racial or faith affiliation that I identify with, it would definitely change how I perceive the company. This would significantly reduce my interest in the company.
It would result in a feeling of personal betrayal. As a person who holds dear the principles of fairness, inclusion, and respect, it would cause me doubt as to whether or not their public image was ever true. Fairness and inclusion are key defining features for a productive employment environment (Smart and Street 18). I would suspend my support, financial and social, until I knew how the company handled it. Was it dismissed or denied? Or did it accept responsibility and bring actual change?
From a hiring perspective, it would significantly affect my choice of whether or not to apply for a position there. A discriminatory workplace environment is contrary to my own ethical beliefs and would also affect my feelings of safety, belonging, and professional development. A discriminatory workplace significantly affects employees’ productivity (Smart and Street 14). I would need to find visible, quantifiable steps towards change before considering them as a potential employer. These changes ought to incorporate diversity training, leadership turnover, and open hiring practices.
This situation highlights how critical organizational accountability is. Discrimination is not to be dealt with as a public relations issue; it is a people issue. We, as future managers and workers, are charged with aligning our behavior with ethical decision-making and inclusive leadership. Organizations that refuse to abide by these expectations risk eroding trust, talent, and lasting success.
Works Cited
Smart, Geoff, and Randy Street. Who: Solve Your #1 Problem. Ballantine Books, 2008.
One reply on “When a Favorite Brand Falls Short”
Hi Shumin,
Great post, and your ideas were very clearly articulated. I found your response to align well with my views as well, it is very difficult to want to support something that goes far off the ledge on what we feel is right. Beyond just not supporting them anymore and calling it at that, I believe accountability is a huge piece you also touched on. We need to know the actions and steps taken by these organizations to right these wrongs, and fix their cultures. It is a people problem, and I like how you distinguished and highlighted that, compared to a behavior problem. Bad culture kills organizations, and this was insightful in dissecting the expected outcomes companies need to deliver on if they find themselves in this scenario. Thanks for sharing!