Is Affirmative Action Ethical?
So after going back and forth with myself, I’ve decided that
affirmative action is not ethical. Our reading this week defines affirmative
action as “the practice of giving special consideration to minorities and women
in hiring and school placement” (LaFollette, 2007). Additionally, our reading
goes onto say that “according to the principle of universalizability we should
treat cases the same unless there are general and relevant differences between
them that can justify a difference in treatment” (LaFollette, 2007). Making an
ethical business decision should be made with no prejudice and with complete
dedication to the direction of your business. With that being said, a business
should be able to select the candidate that best fits the position the business
has the need for. There should be no external pressure from anyone to correct
that decision for the organization. Ethically speaking, we cannot as a country
or as a governing agency, require what staff an organization selects. I would
however understand if there were serious issues with a particular company
openly and selectively hiring people because of their race or any secondary
factor other then their work skills. To clarify, if Bob owns a landscaping
business, he should be able to hire anyone he wants that will best get the job
done for him. No one should have a say in that process. However, if Bob openly
states that he will not hire someone because of his preference, not taking job
skills into account, then we have to be careful in allowing that. Ultimately
however, it is the owner’s preference to do what they like with their company. No
one can tell someone what is going to be successful or who is going to do the
best job for them.
Observing the other side of the coin, the reading states “A
person’s life chances are heavily shaped by their economic and social standing,
as well as the educational attainment, of their parents” (LaFollette, 2007). I
reply to that by saying that we currently live in a capitalistic state where
anyone can succeed. My second source agrees when they say “you get to choose what kind of
work to do, where to work, and have the freedom to decide how to spend your
paycheck” (Tomasovic,
2014). I have serious doubts that in today’s society that people can still hold
their parents accountable for their successes or failures. The source goes onto
say that “Capitalism
creates competition in the market by allowing people or firms to enter the
market freely. Governments are not allowed to butt in other than to keep things
fair and legal” (Tomasovic, 2014). If you focus on the last part of that reference, he
says “fair and legal”. I think that plays in to my observation. We have to
ensure that people can hire who they want, as long as it is lawful and just. The
other only hang up might be determining who thinks the situation is fair. I
think that debate can go one forever.
References
Lafollette, H. (2007). The Practice of
Ethics. Malden
Tomasovic,
N. (2014, May 24). Advantages of Capitalism: Freedom to Succeed. Retrieved June
24, 2015, from https://blog.udemy.com/advantages-of-capitalism/
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