Question 1

The provision of special support and encouragement for previously disadvantaged groups is legally acceptable in the UK. This support is termed:&#10;A) Positive discrimination&#10;B) Positive action&#10;C) Reverse discrimination&#10;D) Affirmative action

Accepted Answer

In the UK, the term "positive action" is used to describe measures taken to support and encourage individuals from previously disadvantaged groups without discriminating against others. This is distinct from "positive discrimination," which implies giving preferential treatment in a way that could be considered unfair or illegal. "Affirmative action" is a term more commonly used in the United States with a similar intent but different legal and cultural implications. "Reverse discrimination" is a term sometimes used to describe situations where majority groups believe they are being discriminated against due to policies intended to benefit minority groups, but it is not a legally defined or endorsed term in the context of UK law.

Question 2

What is the value of the 'gender gap' between full-time male and female earnings in the UK?&#10;A) 5%&#10;B) 9%&#10;C) 15%&#10;D) 20%

Accepted Answer

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the gender pay gap for full-time employees in the UK was 9% in 2020. This means that on average, women earn 91p for every £1 earned by men.

Question 3

Which of the following statements about equality and diversity polices is most accurate?&#10;A) Only a minority of UK organisations have written policies&#10;B) Smaller organisations are most likely to have policies&#10;C) A majority of UK organisations undertake equal opportunities monitoring&#10;D) Many diversity policies fail to cover all the disadvantaged groups who have legal protection

Accepted Answer

While many organizations may have diversity policies in place, it is common for them to overlook certain disadvantaged groups who have legal protection against discrimination. Therefore, option D is the most accurate statement among the given choices. Option A is incorrect because most UK organizations have written equality and diversity policies. Option B is also incorrect because larger organizations are more likely to have policies in place. Option C is partly correct, as many UK organizations undertake equal opportunities monitoring, but it is not a clear majority.

Question 4

Which of the following is not a commonly held stereotype of older people in the workplace?&#10;A) Older workers are less loyal and committed than younger people&#10;B) Older workers have higher absence rates than younger workers&#10;C) Older workers more resistant to change than younger workers&#10;D) Staff turnover is higher among older workers than younger workers

Accepted Answer

Older workers are often stereotyped as being more loyal and committed than younger workers, not less.

Question 5

What percentage of the UK's workforce is female?&#10;A) 31%&#10;B) 41%&#10;C) 51%&#10;D) 61%

Accepted Answer

According to the Office for National Statistics, as of December 2020, approximately 51% of the UK's workforce is female.

Question 6

Which of the following statements about 'the management of diversity' approach is most accurate?&#10;A) It is focused on finding ways of promoting the interests of disadvantaged groups&#10;B) There is little evidence that it brings any significant business benefits&#10;C) It is focused on improving opportunity for everyone&#10;D) It need not affect the culture of an organisation

Accepted Answer

The management of diversity approach is focused on improving opportunity for everyone, not just specific disadvantaged groups. It recognizes and values differences among employees and aims to create an inclusive environment where all can thrive. This approach can bring significant business benefits, such as increased creativity and innovation. However, it may require changes to an organization's culture in order to be fully effective.

Deck 19: Equal Opportunities and Diversity