Case Study: Discrimination at XYZ Company located in Quebec (Case Study Sample)

Diversity Issue
Name of Student
Institution Affiliation
Case Study: Discrimination at XYZ Company
Despite relevant legislative measures, Quebec province of Canada has not been spared of criticism for the ever-worsening state of immigrants. Authier, a Montreal Gazette reporter, says that unemployment rates for immigrants were twice as high as that for the rest of Canadians (Authier, 2015). It was also three times as high for the immigrant populations that were vividly minorities (Authier, 2015). In this case, the experience of Aaron, a Canadian of Aborigine origin, is discussed as it was at XYZ Company located in Quebec.
Aaron had just found a VISA sponsorship to Canada where he had stumbled upon the much-needed employment. He was happier that brighter days were bound to come. He served in the position of an accountant in the department finance under Mr. Michael, who was the financial controller. XYZ had instituted a comprehensive human resource management charter that aligned to the requirements of the Canada Labor Code RSC of 1985 (Justice Laws Website, 2015).
Even so, Aaron often felt unwelcomed. A section of his colleagues was uncomfortable with the color of his dark skin and his physical appearance that vividly made him stand out as an outsider. They were also uncomfortable with the idea that he was a part of the swelling immigrants’ population that was "taking over" opportunities meant for indigenous Canadians. Unfortunately, even after reporting the matter to Mr. Michael, his immediate boss, less than appropriate actions were taken. On this particular day, Aaron was finding it difficult to concentrate on his duties as feelings of anxiety, depression, and loss of interests in the task prevailed upon him. It was becoming unbearable for him. He opted to consult a human resource specialist who then advised him to document the incidences precisely as they occurred.
One alternative he was given was to bypass Mr. Michael and to lodge a case with the XYZ Company directors. Then, in case his evidence was ignored, he had the choice of seeking legal redress in the law courts. He was uncomfortable with this idea because he felt like it will only attract more contempt from his bosses and immediate colleagues. The other option was simply to quit his engagement with XYZ Company and to opt for greener pastures elsewhere. The problem with this alternative was that jobs were scarce for immigrants, and he was unsure of whether he will receive any better treatment. Hence, he remains undecided.
The situation reflects the challenges faced by immigrants in Canada and possibly, globally. Many authorities have labor rules only in writing with implementation being a difficulty. The case of Aaron explains better the extent of ethnic based discrimination as it happens in the work places.
The Three Questions
1 Discuss diversity challenges faced by XYZ Company relating it to the contents of the human resource charter.
2 Discuss the best option available for Aaron in his present circumstances that will be in the best interest of his company.
3 Discuss how the company can address the challenges in such a way that the result is a diversity-tolerant workforce.
Discussion of the Case Study
The company and the characters presented are fictional. The intention of the case study was to capture an instance of discrimination challenges faced by immigrants. Discrimination and intolerance to diversity are significant social vices that have threatened to tear apart the social fabrics holding the nation together. A company is a social unit and hence has a social and ethical obligation to promote diversity. Besides, diversity has an endless list of advantages including the fact that it leads to increased creativity as issues within the company are viewed from different perspectives. Moreover, it makes it easier for the firm to expand into global markets with proper understanding. Furthermore, it will help the business to leverage on its human resources in such a way that it ends up outperforming competitors. Lastly, from the perspective of the employee, it opens up a channel of opportunities.
Answer to Question 1
The company faces stiff challenges in implementing its human resource charter because of an unsupportive company culture. Rules and regulations on their own are inadequate in helping transform workers’ behaviors (RBC, 2015). The level of difficulty is more pronounced where the management is unsupportive like in this case. According to the description of the situation surrounding Aaron, there was an apparent absence of teamwork spirit in XYZ Company workforce with newcomers being sidelined instead of being integrated into the system.
Answer to Question 2
The best option for Aaron is to make his case known to the company Directors. Quitting the job might be an easier choice. Nonetheless, it is not in the best interest of XYZ stakeholders as it amounts to concealing social vices in the society. Aaron s...