CNN Looks at Contemporary Career Issues



CNN Looks at

Diversity in the Workplace

Video Discussion Guide

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CONTENTS

Tips for Using Videotapes in the Classroom 4

Today’s Multicultural Workplace

Diversity Dealers 5

Today’s Multilingual Workplace 6

Managing Diversity at Denny’s 7

Managing a Multinational Workforce 7

Women and Family in Today’s Workplace

Women’s Workplace Issues 8

Pay Discrimination 9

Working Women in Japan 10

Working Mothers 11

Today’s Aging Workforce

Older Workers Seeking Jobs 11

Gerber Age Discrimination Suit 12

Older Workers Benefits Protection Act 13

Age in the Workplace 14

Workers with Disabilities

Americans with Disabilities Act 15

Workers with Disabilities 16

Tips for Using Videotapes in the Classroom

Using a videotape adds interest and excitement to your classroom training or instruction. Most learners enjoy watching television and will be interested in information presented on videotape. In addition, these video clips from CNN allow you to introduce real-life material into your students' study of contemporary career issues.

The following tips may help you in using these videos in your classroom:

• The videos are succinct. They function best as a way to start discussion. This guide provides points to emphasize before or during the viewing of the video. Also provided are questions and suggested answers for discussion.

• Pausing the video to emphasize and reinforce key points can be helpful. Discuss the point; rewind and replay the section if necessary. Check for student understanding of the main points before playing the rest of the video.

• During discussion, review and emphasize points in the video by replaying particular sections as desired.

• As with all audio-visual materials, please preview all videos to be sure they are appropriate for your learners, available equipment, and course schedule.

CNN Looks at

Diversity in the Workplace

(total running time 30:49)

Today’s Multicultural Workplace

Diversity Dealers

(running time 1:56)

In this segment, viewers will take a firsthand look at a car dealership that employs salespeople speaking 20 different languages. Such diversified sales companies bring in approximately $350 million a year in revenues.

1. What makes the Toyota dealership featured in the clip so successful?

The car dealership shown in this segment is successful because it offers its customers salespeople speaking 20 different languages. Because southern California is one of the more ethnically diverse areas of the United States and has many recent immigrants, it is understandable that a business using a diversified sales force would be successful there.

2. Name some reasons why people of ethnic minorities might prefer to conduct business with people of the same minority group or who speak their language.

Answers may vary. Some possible answers include: It is easier to communicate in one’s own language; if someone can use their own language they are confident that they know what is being discussed; and often various cultures have different ways of negotiating, selling, and purchasing.

3. Why do you think the diversified sales force is growing?

Answers will vary. Emphasis should be placed on the fact that the United States is a country made up of many diverse ethnic groups. As people continue to immigrate to the United States, the population continues to become more and more diversified. Having a diversified sales force makes a company better able to meet all of the needs of its customers.

Today’s Multilingual Workplace

(running time 1:58)

Communication is important in hospitals and, when patients speak a language different from the language spoken by the doctor, many difficulties can arise. This clip will show methods used to bridge this kind of communication gap.

1. What are some of the difficulties that can arise when a doctor and patient do not speak the same language?

A language barrier between a doctor and a patient can potentially put the life of the patient in jeopardy. If the patient speaks a different language, they may not be able to describe what is wrong or properly answer questions put to them by the doctor. The doctor may be unable to assess the condition of the patient accurately without asking many questions. The doctor also may hesitate to offer some medications or treatments, not knowing the patient’s medical history and not being able to communicate with the patient to discover that history.

2. Name some other professions or companies that would be able to make use of a program like ATT’s language line. Why might it be useful to them?

Answers may vary. Some possible answers include: Social workers, lawyers, police officers, etc. Such a program would be useful for a variety of reasons. What should be emphasized, however, is the idea that the more

people with whom a person or company works, the more likely they are to work with someone who speaks a different language.

Managing Diversity at Denny’s

(running time 2:27)

Three years ago, Denny’s restaurants did not have any ethnic minority group members in upper management. While viewing this clip, note how the company has overcome its earlier problems to become a leader in promoting diversity.

1. What is the “Fast Track” program at Denny’s and why was it started?

The “Fast Track” program at Denny’s is a Minority Owner Training Program that trains members of minority groups to become managers and owners of individual restaurants. This program was started a few years ago when Denny’s faced discrimination lawsuits due to the lack of minority group members in upper management.

2. How successful has Denny’s been at increasing the number of members of minority groups in their management positions?

Denny’s has been very successful at increasing the number of minority group members in management positions. After 3 years, 11 percent of Denny’s senior managers and 20 percent of middle managers are members of minority groups.

Managing a Multinational Workforce

(running time 1:41)

In this segment on global mergers, viewers will learn about some of the changes merging companies must make in order to manage their multinational workforces effectively.

1. When a global scale merger takes place, in what ways do the merging companies have to adjust?

New management styles must be devised to cross the fundamental differences of the merging companies. Structural reorganizations may take place so that the companies involved in the merger are better able to work together. Emphasize that each company involved in a global merger may feel that the other companies should adjust to their standards, however it is necessary to find a compromise that works for all of the companies involved.

2. What do you think are some of the problems faced by companies involved in global mergers?

Answers will vary, but may include language barriers, misunderstandings related to cultural differences, disagreements as to how the companies should be organized or how certain tasks should be performed, and confusion and difficulty among employees as new policies may be added and old policies may be changed or dismissed.

Women and Family in Today’s Workplace

Women’s Workplace Issues

(running time 3:10)

After watching this clip, viewers should be able to identify some of the issues women face in the workplace. Note how women are overcoming these issues and entering more professions.

1. Name two of the women’s workplace issues discussed in the video clip.

Answers may include: Women still hold the bulk of lower level jobs; the average female worker makes a wage that is only 75 percent of that made by her male counterpart; discrimination against women is still occurring in the workplace; women make up less than half of the world’s workforce; etc.

2. How are women working to overcome these issues?

Answers may include: More women are not only becoming educated, but are becoming better educated than previously; more women are entering skilled labor and white collar jobs; more women are becoming involved in government and leadership positions; and women are continuing to break into professions that were traditionally all male.

Pay Discrimination

(running time 2:05)

In this segment, viewers will take a firsthand look at the Texaco pay discrimination case. This clip also discusses Department of Labor “glass ceiling” reviews and what these reviews often reveal.

1. To what does the term “glass ceiling” refer?

“Glass ceiling” refers to the idea that often there is a level of pay or a position in a company that women will not be able to achieve. Their inability to achieve these positions or pay rates is due to an unspoken or unwritten rule in that company, therefore it is referred to as being a “glass ceiling.”

2. Why does the Department of Labor conduct “glass ceiling” reviews like the one they conducted at Texaco? What do the findings of such reviews often reveal?

The Department of Labor conducts “glass ceiling” reviews to ensure that companies are not discriminating against their female employees with regards to payrates or promotions. The Department of Labor says such reviews reveal that half of the companies surveyed are still having problems with pay equity.

3. Can you think of any other examples of pay discrimination, either in the news or that you have personally witnessed?

Answers will vary. Emphasize that pay discrimination is still a serious problem and discuss possible solutions.

Working Women in Japan

(running time 2:21)

The Japanese government has passed two bills to help working women. As you show this clip, ask viewers to note the possible advantages and disadvantages of these bills and how they will affect Japanese working women.

1. What are the two bills passed by the Japanese government regarding women in the workplace meant to accomplish?

One bill passed by the Japanese government is meant to lift the ban preventing women from working overtime and overnight, except if they are pregnant or raising children. (Women who worked overtime and overnight prior to the bill often were not paid for the work they did.) The other bill is meant to prevent companies from discriminating against women in their hiring and promoting practices.

2. Do you think these bills will be successful? Why or why not?

Answers will vary. Emphasize the fact that companies caught breaking these laws will not have to pay any fines and will face only the punishment of being publicly identified as non-compliant.

3. What are some of the expectations people in Japan have of working women? How are these expectations different from those held by people in the U.S.?

Answers will vary. Emphasis should be placed on the idea that women in Japan are expected to quit their jobs when they get married or have children. Discuss the expectations Americans have for working women and how those expectations have changed over the past century.

Working Mothers

(running time 2:12)

In 1970, less than 40 percent of mothers with children under the age of 18 were employed. Today, 68 percent are employed. After watching this clip, discuss what studies have revealed about working mothers and their households.

1. In 1970, less than 40 percent of mothers with children under the age of 18 were employed. Today that number has risen to 68 percent. What are some of the reasons for the increase in the number of working mothers since 1970?

Answers may vary, but could include the rise in the cost of living; the increasing number of single-parent households, which necessitates that the single parent work; the increased number of women in the workforce in general over the last 30 years; etc. Discuss the fact that 50 percent of mothers who work contribute 50 percent of the household income, and that 20 percent of working mothers contribute 90 percent of the income.

2. Do you think there is a difference between the relationship a child has with a working mother and the relationship a child has with a stay-at-home mother? Explain your answer.

Answers will vary. Emphasis should be placed on the time that a mother spends with her child and the quality of time spent versus the quantity of time spent. If students discuss their personal experiences, emphasize how personal experience has shaped their opinions.

Today’s Aging Workforce

Older Workers Seeking Jobs

(running time 2:10)

In this segment about seniors looking for employment, viewers will learn about the Apple One employment service, which links seniors with employers in a program called “Rehirement.”

1. Name some of the reasons why many seniors would rather work than retire.

Some of the reasons many seniors would rather work than retire include high energy, boredom, a strong work ethic, or financial need. Many have been working all of their lives and enjoy keeping busy.

2. Apple One’s “Rehirement” program links seniors with employers. In what kinds of jobs are seniors being placed? Why are these jobs not always satisfactory for seniors?

Seniors are being placed in clerical, reception, and light industrial work positions. These positions are not always satisfactory for seniors because they are usually part time, earn low wages, and may require extra training in technical skills.

Gerber Age Discrimination Suit

(running time 2:17)

In this clip, viewers will meet Robert Butcher, who was let go from Gerber after 33 years of employment. You will also discover some of the reasons why older workers are often targets for dismissal when a company is downsizing.

1. Why is Robert Butcher filing a lawsuit against Gerber?

He is taking Gerber to court for age discrimination. After working for the company for 33 years, he was let go under the pretenses that the company was reorganizing their sales force. Of the 460 people Gerber let go, 75 percent were over the age of 40.

2. Name some of the reasons why older employees are often targets for dismissal when a company is reorganizing or downsizing.

Older employees are often targets for dismissal because they have larger paychecks owing to their years with a company and their level of experience. Also, older employees have accumulated more benefits than younger employees have. Larger paychecks and more benefits can make older employees expensive.

3. Do you think it is ethical for a company that is downsizing to let go of or offer early retirement to its older employees as a first step? Explain your answer.

Answers will vary. Emphasize the difference between being let go and being offered early retirement. Is one option ethical and the other unethical? Discuss student opinions and how they arrived at their conclusions.

Older Workers Benefits Protection Act

(running time 1:36)

While watching this segment about the Older Workers Benefits Protection note how the court decision regarding severance checks might impact many companies’ policies.

1. What is the purpose of the Older Workers Benefits Protection Act?

The OWBPA protects workers over the age of 40 from age discrimination in the workplace. To elaborate on the video clip, the OWBPA requires that employers offering severance packages give employees written documents, allow employees 21 days to decide whether or not to accept the package, and inform employees that they may consult with an attorney. Specifically, it is designed to protect older workers against coercion and duress, such as being forced to accept a package without knowing all of the details and repercussions.

2. In the case of the worker who accepted the severance check and then filed a lawsuit for age discrimination against her former employer, what are the courts now trying to decide? How may their decision impact the policies held by other companies with regards to severance checks?

Because the worker accepted the severance check and used it, the courts now must decide whether she must pay back the company for the severance check before the case can continue, or whether the case should continue and the severance check issue dropped. Should the court decide that she does NOT have to pay back the severance check, other companies may opt to eliminate policies regarding the issuance of severance checks.

Age in the Workplace

(running time 2:38)

After viewing this clip, discuss why it is a challenge for older people to find work. Viewers will discover some reasons why most older people would rather keep working than retire.

1. Why do many older people have difficulty finding work?

Many older people have difficulty finding work because they are often overqualified for jobs--which means they would require higher wages--or because prospective employers may doubt their ability to perform a job adequately.

2. For a company, what might be some of the advantages and disadvantages of hiring older workers?

Answers will vary. Advantages may include: Depending upon the job and the level of experience, an older employee may need very little training; they may be able to offer new ideas based on previous experience; they may have a very good work ethic and be reliable and dedicated workers; etc. Disadvantages may include: Depending upon the job, older workers may need more training, especially on computer programs and high-tech equipment; older workers may not be able to stay with a company for the same number of years a younger worker may; a company will have to pay more money for an older worker with many years of experience; etc.

Workers with Disabilities

Americans with Disabilities Act

(running time 2:08)

This segment on the Americans with Disabilities Act will demonstrate why many people think the act is vaguely worded. Viewers will learn more about some current court cases that are discussing possible violations of this act.

1. According to the video clip, what is vague about the Americans with Disabilities Act?

The Americans with Disabilities Act is vague on whether discrimination is about a person’s corrected or uncorrected condition. This can be seen in the example of the two sisters who wish to be airline pilots but do not have 20/20 vision: the airline company will not let them become pilots because they do not have 20/20 vision without the aid of contact lenses or glasses. Does this mean the sisters are covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act?

2. What does the Americans with Disabilities Act require of employers?

This act prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability and requires that employers accommodate the needs of workers with partial disabilities. Such accommodations may include alteration, construction, or renovation of buildings and facilities; and modifications to policies that may be considered discriminatory.

3. How might employees abuse the Americans with Disabilities Act?

Answers may vary. Emphasis should be placed on the idea that, to have a claim under the act, a person must be

limited in a major life activity. Employees may exaggerate their problems or may threaten to take companies to court, claiming that a violation of the act has taken place when one has not.

Workers with Disabilities

(running time 2:10)

In this clip, viewers will meet Caroline Cleveland, who was let go from her job after recovering from a stroke. While watching this segment, note what question this case raises about the Americans with Disabilities Act.

1. What happened when Caroline Cleveland returned to her job after recovering from a stroke?

After recovering from a stroke, she returned to her job and asked her supervisor for extra training and counseling to help her get back to her previous level of work ability. Within a few months she was fired from her job as being unqualified to work and unprotected by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

2. What question do this and similar cases raise regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act?

In particular, such cases raise the question: Who is and who is not covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act? The act itself is vague on this issue, which leads to confusion for both companies and employees.

3. Do you feel that Caroline Cleveland should be covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act? Explain your answer.

Answers will vary. Emphasize that a stroke can alter a person’s abilities and limit what they can do, even if they had no prior disability. Try to define what a disability is according to the Americans with Disabilities Act and discuss whether Caroline Cleveland’s situation fits that definition.

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