Introduction
A colleague was discriminated against at the workplace by another, and reported the issue, insisting they would like their privacy respected. The ethical dilemma involves respecting the privacy of the said victim and letting the culprit walk free, or handling the racism incident to discourage future events from occurring. The first alternative would violate the privacy of the victim, exposing them to further discrimination and making their ability to perform in the workplace compromised. Reporting the incident is likely to get the culprit punished and could discourage such actions at the workplace, eliminating racism. This essay offers a strategy for handling this ethical dilemma in a manner that guarantees the greatest good. The handling of this ethical dilemma must be rooted in Godly principles and rooted in God’s appreciation for diversity. In the long run, discrimination in the workplace based on race is unacceptable and must be eliminated for better performance.
Strategy
Counseling for Victims of Racism
Racial discrimination is an evil that is discouraged across many worldly systems, and also in the heavenly realm. The Lord reminds us that we are all equal in his eyes through so many instances in the Bible. The fear to report the racist incident partly stems from the fear of discrimination by the victim. The fear may also stem from low self-esteem and lack of recognition of their value before the eyes of God. The Bible in Genesis 1:27 reminds us that we were all created in the image and likeness of God. This means that we are all wonderful creations regardless of our race.
The victim of discrimination can benefit from encouragement meant to show them their power in the eyes of God. Such counseling is intended to increase their confidence and ability to express their needs and pain to others, including management, without fear of persecution. The Bible in Isaiah 42:1-7 reminds us that Christ came for us all to guarantee the salvation of all people regardless of their race. This is a crucial component of the reminder the victim of discrimination requires to boost their confidence and inherent value within the kingdom of God (Sullivan, 2021). The reminder that Christ is not here for a specific group of people should be encouraging and motivating for us to realize there are no preferences in the eyes of God. Such preferential treatment cannot, therefore, be tolerated in the eyes of man, since our lives are meant to mirror the wishes and lifestyle of God.
Cautioning and Punishment of Perpetrators
Racism is not tolerable within the workplace and those involved must know as much during their tenure at the company. The cautioning of the employee involved must be done during the first incident to serve as a warning to them and any other employees likely to behave like them (Helsel, 2018). Such a warning must be based on Biblical perspectives and should include a reminder about the need to uphold equality for the glorification of God on his throne. The Bible in Leviticus 19:34 reminds us of God’s command for Israelites to love foreigners as though they are natives. This is a lesson that must be passed to the abuser to ensure they honor the word of God, and the command of management to shun racism and avoid discrimination.
The Bible in Romans 2:11 reminds us that God renders judgment on all people without favoritism, and the culprit must be cautioned of dire consequences with future incidences. Such a stern warning blanketed in gentle correction is likely to bear immaculate fruits of change and transformation by the worker. The worker can also become tasked with the duty of ensuring they speak against racism in the workplace, to discourage other culprits in the workplace to quit discrimination.
Education and Training of Leaders and Staff
The Bible teaches us that the people of God perish due to the lack of knowledge in Hosea 4:6. This can be tackled through the education of both leaders and staff on the evils of racism and implementing strategies geared towards combating the evil. The education of these crucial workers must be based on the principles of God, which discourage this evil (Chandler, 2020). The Bible in Revelation 7:9 gives a vivid description of the multitude of people before God’s throne. The people were constituents of all races and groups from all walks of life. This implies that in the eyes of God, the Supreme Creator, all people are equal and owned by him. All members of the workforce must be reminded that there are no people considered more special than others in the kingdom of heaven, hence the same principle applies to the workplace.
One’s race is not a factor to pride themselves on, driving them to the depths of making other workers feel bad about their race. The book of Colossians 1:16 reminds all Christians and people of the world that all things were created in God and for God’s purpose. The education forum of workers and leaders must remind them that each person serves a special function in the eyes of God, their race notwithstanding. This will be essential in changing the minds of abusers and encouraging the victims about their worth. The education initiative is meant to address the victims of racism yet to report their ordeals, and who suffer silently from the brute of abuse.
Establishment of a Worker-Friendly Reporting System
A follow-up mechanism of eradicating racism within the workplace entails the establishment of a reporting system for discriminated workers, to ensure they can raise their complaints. This is based on the book of Romans 12:16 which encourages all of us to live in harmony, without pride, and with the desire to associate with everybody. One way of ensuring this occurs is having a system that not only encourages victims but also allows witnesses to make reports without fear of persecution (Helsel, 2018). The reporting system must honor the confidentiality of those who report the incidences without exposing them to further harm.
Anonymity is an essential component of an effective reporting system for racism, therefore names of reporters must be protected. Rewards for employees who report incidences they witness can act as a positive reinforcement mechanism of ensuring diversity is appreciated. Romans 3:22 reminds us that there are no differences between Jews and Gentiles in the eyes and righteousness of God. Such a reminder for witnesses is meant to provoke empathy and enable them to offer to understand the plight of victims of racism.
Introducing Robust Discussions on Diversity at the Workplace
The discussion of an issue is essential in ensuring that the topic is not treated as taboo within the workplace. Racism is a despicable evil in the workplace that must be combated to the end, to appreciate diversity. In Matthew 28:18 Jesus ordered his disciples to go to the rest of the world, making disciples of all nations regardless of their race. In the same spirit, disciples against racism can be made through discussions at the workplace. Discussions can take place as part of the agenda in worker’s meetings. The discussions should include progress reports on what has been achieved thus far in tackling the vice, and suggestions to improve the situation.
Discussions can also occur through organized forums both virtually and physically, to ensure employees have the confidence to express themselves in the presence of their colleagues. Ensuring robust discussions occur around this topic, is a mechanism of reducing racism by scaring the perpetrators (Chandler, 2020). In Acts 2:17 apostle Paul reminds us that the Holy Spirit was poured out impartially to all nations. If God sent his Spirit to all nations without discrimination, then we also ought to live within such standards.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ethical dilemmas at the workplace involving racism must address the essence of diversity and God’s appreciation for the differences inherent amongst all people. Strategies geared towards eliminating racism must be based on God’s word. The Bible has illustrations through various books where God shows appreciation for all the people in the nation. Some of the crucial strategies to handle this evil include counseling the affected people and cautioning the perpetrators. Additionally, the education of both leaders and workers at the workplace is vital in promoting diversity and eliminating racism. Worker-friendly reporting systems are vital in ensuring that victims are sought, and perpetrators brought to account. Robust discussions on the topic of racism must be encouraged to promote boldness and confidence in victims while discouraging culprits.
References
Chandler, D. J. (2020). Spiritual formation: Race, racism, and racial reconciliation. Journal of Spiritual Formation and Soul Care, 13(2), 156–175. Web.
Helsel, C. B. (2018). Preaching about racism: A guide for faith leaders. In Google Books. Chalice Press.
Sullivan, R. (2021). Implementing Christlike love in the Johnson Grove Baptist Church. Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. Web.