Affirmative action programs

Definition

Affirmative action programs are policies or practices that organizations implement to promote opportunities for historically marginalized groups by considering factors like race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in decisions related to hiring, promotion, and other employment practices. These programs aim to address past discrimination and promote diversity within the workforce.

Related terms

Diversity Management: The practice of actively planning and implementing policies to include individuals of different backgrounds and perspectives in an organization's workforce.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO): A legal principle that prohibits discrimination against employees or job applicants based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.

Quotas:

A specific number or percentage of minorities or women that an employer agrees to hire or promote within their organization as part of affirmative action efforts; however, quotas are often legally contentious and not universally applied