Case Studies on Workplace Diversity and Equality

1. Review the case studies document.
Case study one
Valarie is employed as an Administration Officer. She also answers calls from customers. Valarie has
recently married and converted to Judaism. Her husband follows the Jewish faith and converting was
something she felt was really important to her new relationship. Valarie has mentioned that she would like to
leave work early on Friday afternoon to begin to observe the Sabbath.
Valarie has now written a formal letter to you requesting permission to leave work early on Friday
afternoons. She has stated that she will take responsibility to catch up on any missed work.
The company does not currently have flexible working arrangements.
Valarie has been employed with the company for 2 years and is a permanent employee.
Consider:
 What issues do you consider in your response?
The issues that are considered during the response includes lack of productivity due to early leave every
Friday
 What are the legal requirements?
The legal requirements include ethical consideration and equality of work for all members following Judaism,
as a religion needs to be maintained
 What would be your response as a Manager?
The response will be negative since other employees practising the same religion do not have to leave
early. Hence, equality needs to be maintained at the workplace
Case study two
You have observed that a Muslim staff member never shakes hands with female clients. You are concerned
that this will impact on his relationships. You are considering asking him to shake female clients’ hands.
Consider:
 What issues should you consider in your response?
Issues to be considered includes cultural diversity and the fact that sexual discrimination need not be
maintained at the workplace
 What are the legal requirements?
As per the sexual discrimination act, none of the workers can be discriminated in terms of gender. Hence,
for the Muslim worker this particular act needs to be followed as part of the organisational policy
 As a Manager, how should you deal with this issue?
Confidence among the worker need to be developed and a session regarding the reason for such behaviour
need to be conducted.
Case study three
A staff member, Delores, has approached you with a request not to have to deal with a particular customer
because they feel she is treating them in a racist manner.
Consider:
 Can she refuse to deal with a customer on these grounds?
No, she cannot refuse to deal on the grounds of racial behaviour. Racial discrimination on any ground need
to be abolished as a practise
 What are the legal requirements?
The legal requirement include abiding by the rules of Racial Discrimination Act in which none of the clients
or employees can be rejected based on personal vendetta or any cultural difference