Chapter 10, Problem 1RA-P306

Summary Introduction

Introduction

Employees who are treated fairly are more productive because they spend less time thinking about the injustice on their own and in meetings to complain about their jobs. Workplaces run by older, white men tend to resist improving conditions because they wish to maintain the status quo. Happy employees tend to give their best effort more often, and may be more flexible in compensation demands. Further, employees who are treated fairly report greater workplace satisfaction, leading to less absenteeism and turnover. This is financially beneficial to the company.

Explanation of Solution

Answer and explanation

(This question requires a subjective response, and this is an example.)

Workers who are concerned with the conditions at work will be more distracted and be less productive than happy workers. Employees who feel supported and view themselves as partners with their employers will work harder and stay with the company longer than unhappy workers. For example, if a woman has to deal with a hostile environment at work, she is more likely to quit, and she will spend more time documenting this treatment. The kinds of workplaces that are more resistant to change are those run by white men, especially if they are older and see movements like the #metoo or #timesup as illegitimate or part of society becoming too politically correct. People who feel movements like these are unfair will tend to double down on their behavior and claim they are defending the “good old days.”