Ethical Theory And Workplace Discrimination Against LGBT Employees
LGBT employees face discrimination based on their gender identity or sexual orientation in various aspects of life, including the workplace. According to the National Center for Transgender Equality (2019), one out of every two transgender people had been fired or denied employment due to their gender identity within the previous year. In addition, nearly half of transgender respondents reported being misgendered by co-workers, and more than one-third faced negative comments about their gender identity from co-workers. Such acts violate basic human rights and need immediate intervention through policy development. Ethical theories can inform the creation of policies that prevent workplace discrimination against LGBT workers.
Utilitarianism
Utilitarian theory argues that actions are right if they maximize utility, which is a positive feeling experienced after performing an action (Cullen & Parry, 2020). Therefore, creating anti-discriminatory workplace policies will improve the feelings of LGBT employees and create happiness. The policy protects individuals' rights, making them feel accepted in the organization. As a result, these employees will enjoy going to work, perform better, and have an enhanced job satisfaction level. This approach will increase productivity, profitability, and organizational performance.
Apple Inc.'s decision to ban anti-gay language at workplaces has resulted in increased employee loyalty and job satisfaction levels. The company ranked among the top three best places to work worldwide and recorded over $74 billion revenue in 2018.
Deontology
Deontological ethics hold that morals dictate right and wrong conduct. Under this approach, it is unethical to discriminate against anyone based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. An act is considered immoral if it conflicts with moral principles like respect for life and dignity (Botkin et al., 2019). Accordingly, all workplaces should treat their employees with respect and dignity regardless of their sexual orientations or gender identities. Doing so helps enhance employees' self-esteem, which leads to improved creativity, innovativeness, and productivity. The lack of such a policy may lead to low self-worth amongst LGBT workers, leading to poor productivity and reduced job satisfaction. In addition, organizations that promote equality are more likely to attract talent from diverse backgrounds, thus reducing labor turnover and associated costs.
Virtue Ethics
Virtue ethics emphasizes virtues like justice, courage, generosity, and compassion as the basis of morality (Miller & Sullivan, 2015). Therefore, employers must uphold justice by implementing policies that ensure fair treatment. Discriminating against LGBT employees denies them opportunities to improve their lives through gainful employment. Such acts can be viewed as unfair and unjust because they violate human rights, making it difficult for victims to access economic opportunities that could improve their welfare. Thus, organizations must create policies that protect LGBT rights in the workplace. If such policies do not exist, it would be challenging to realize a just society where everyone has equal access to employment opportunities.
Kantianism
Immanuel Kant believes that actions are right if they conform to universal rules (Cullen & Parry, 2020). Under this approach, discrimination is wrong since it goes against universally accepted principles of respect for life and dignity.
It is unethical to discriminate against anyone based on sexual orientation or gender identity. As a result, all employees should enjoy equal rights and privileges in the organization. Failure to implement such policies deprives LGBT workers of basic employment benefits and entitlements, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid leave. Consequently, such individuals may struggle with their finances and suffer from stress-related illnesses. Organizations should enforce policies that promote equality and avoid any form of discrimination, thus ensuring a just working environment.
Ethical theory informs policy development by providing moral foundations to guide decision-making. Workplaces should use utilitarianism, deontology, virtue ethics, and kantianism to craft policies that prevent discrimination against LGBT employees. Such an approach will enhance organizational performance, reduce labor turnover costs, and ensure justice and fair treatment.
How can ethical theory inform the development of policies that prevent workplace discrimination against LGBT employees?
Ethical theories such as utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics have been used to create policies that promote equality and fairness in the workplace. Utilitarianism focuses on maximizing happiness for all stakeholders involved in an organization, including LGBT employees. This means that employers should create an environment where everyone feels comfortable expressing their sexual orientation without fear of judgment or discrimination.