Case Study: Gender Discrimination at Dell Inc



Case Study: Gender Discrimination at Dell Inc

Summary of the Case

A large number of women in American workplace are still facing the problems regarding unequal payment, career opportunities, fear and insecurity due to sexual harassment and discrimination and conflicts found in competing family care as well as workplace responsibilities.

Jill Hubley, an ex-employee of the Dell Americas human resource group located in Texas, filed a lawsuit in October 2008 against company for the discrimination against women with respect to pay packages and promotion. According to her women were not promoted to senior management positions while, the company denied the accusation while the perception of Ms. Hubley's was true, after Ms. Hubley four other women also filed similar discrimination suits against the company. As a result of her case, in July 2009 Dell settled the class-action suit with a $9.1 million payment: $4.5 million in back pay, $1.1 million for plaintiff legal costs, and $3.5 million to establish a pay-equity fund designed to adjust certain job grades for current management and non management personnel.

Answer to the Question no. 1

Factors Contributing a Firm Engaging In Sexual Discrimination

Sexual discrimination is also referred to as gender discrimination, in the place of work can happen in different ways. It may occur during the process of hiring when men are preferred over women having equal experience and abilities (Cohn, 2000).

Discrimination factors may involve national origin, religion, race, color, sex (may include pregnancy), age, genetic or disability information. These factors result in discrimination at workplace when used to shaping applicant status, disciplinary action or promotion potential.

Economic status and credit rating can also adversely affect any employment application. The company or firm must show this is necessary to the post at what time soliciting this information.

Other factors for discrimination at workplace are ...