Read the following scenario, analyze the problem and what you, as a manager, can do to resolve the issue.
This scenario falls under the category of Discrimination.
Introduction : Discrimination is often the most serious of workplace conflicts and the Equality Act of 2010 was created to protect everyone from discrimination in the workplace. However, prejudice and discrimination come in many forms, including overt discrimination, indirect comments and micro-aggressions. Knowing how to navigate and resolve this type of conflict can help create a better team and understanding of each other,
Conflict: You find yourself passed over for a promotion again, only this time you know the other candidate was less qualified than yourself. When you ask for feedback, it’s vague and indirect. You worry that there’s another reason, besides performance, for their decision. You feel uncomfortable and think you ought to raise this with someone.
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
Addressing Discrimination in the Workplace: A Manager’s Response
Discrimination in the workplace is a serious issue that can have detrimental effects on employees and the overall team dynamics. As a manager faced with a situation where an employee feels they have been unfairly passed over for a promotion due to potential discrimination, it is imperative to address the issue promptly and effectively. By taking proactive steps to investigate and resolve the conflict, managers can uphold a culture of fairness and equality in the workplace.
Analyzing the Problem
In the scenario presented, the employee believes they were passed over for a promotion despite being more qualified than the selected candidate. The feedback provided to the employee is vague and indirect, leading them to suspect that factors beyond performance may have influenced the decision. This situation raises concerns of potential discrimination based on factors other than merit, which can undermine employee morale and trust in the organization.
Resolving the Issue
As a manager, it is crucial to approach this situation with sensitivity, empathy, and a commitment to addressing discrimination in the workplace. Here are steps that can be taken to resolve the issue:
1. Conduct a Thorough Investigation
Begin by conducting a thorough and impartial investigation into the promotion process and decision-making criteria. Review the qualifications and performance evaluations of both candidates to identify any discrepancies or biases in the selection process. Ensure that all relevant information is gathered to make an informed assessment of the situation.
2. Provide Transparent Feedback
Engage in open and honest communication with the employee who feels discriminated against. Provide detailed feedback on their performance, qualifications, and areas for improvement. Address any concerns they may have regarding the promotion decision and clarify the rationale behind the selection process. Transparency is key to rebuilding trust and fostering a culture of fairness.
3. Address Unconscious Biases
Acknowledge the presence of unconscious biases that may have influenced the promotion decision. Educate employees and team members on recognizing and mitigating biases in decision-making processes. Implement training programs or workshops on diversity, equity, and inclusion to create a more inclusive work environment where all employees are valued and respected.
4. Encourage Reporting and Support
Create a safe space for employees to report instances of discrimination or unfair treatment without fear of retaliation. Establish clear reporting procedures and channels for employees to raise concerns confidentially. Offer support resources, such as counseling or mentorship programs, to employees who have experienced discrimination or bias.
5. Take Corrective Action
If discrimination is found to have played a role in the promotion decision, take prompt corrective action to rectify the situation. Consider revisiting the promotion process, providing opportunities for advancement to deserving candidates, and implementing measures to prevent future instances of discrimination. Hold individuals accountable for their actions and ensure that all employees are treated fairly and equitably.
By proactively addressing discrimination in the workplace and promoting a culture of inclusivity and equality, managers can foster a positive work environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential. Embracing diversity and fairness not only enhances team dynamics but also contributes to organizational success and sustainability in the long run.
