How Equal Employment Opportunity, Affirmative Action and Diversity Relate to One Another
Although equal employment opportunity, affirmative action, and diversity are all different, they are interrelated. Each is directed toward achieving equal opportunity in the workplace. Diversity and affirmative action each broaden the concept of equal employment opportunity in different ways. Diversity, equal employment opportunity and affirmative action provide a strong foundation for the system's efforts to create fair and inclusive workplaces.
Equal Employment Opportunity
- Eliminates discrimination in human resource policies and practices
- Provides equal access and opportunity - no one excluded from participation
- Legally mandated
Affirmative Action
- Targets outreach to underutilized groups
- Helps prevent discrimination, legally mandated
- Measures good faith efforts in making affirmative action progress for minorities and women
Diversity
- Inclusive of all groups
- Focuses on developing an environment that maximizes the potential of all employees by valuing diversity interpersonally and institutionally
- Business necessity given workforce trends
- Broader than ethnicity, race, and gender
- Not legally mandated
