Human Resource Management 11th Edition by John Ivancevich

Exercise 13

Objective
The purpose of this exercise is to understand the requirements for bonafide occupational qualifications (BFOQs).
Background
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 has stated that it is unlawful for an employer to discriminate against a person in any condition of employment because of race, religion, color, national origin, or sex. As with most rules, however, there are exceptions. Regarding Title VII, one exception to the rule is termed a bonafide occupational qualification (BFOQ). With the BFOQ provision, Congress has stated that it is not unlawful to utilize certain personal characteristics in employment (such as sex) in situations where that particular characteristic is necessary to meet the normal operation of the business. The FBOQ is not intended, however, to serve as a loophole for resistant organizations that want to fl out the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) requirements. The EEOC believes that the BFOQ provision should be "interpreted narrowly" and places the burden of proof for justifying the BFOQ squarely upon the organization.
Want Ads
A number of hypothetical situations in which an organization has advertised for an employee of a particular race, color, religion, sex, or national origin are presented. In your opinion, do these particular situations warrant a BFOQ? Read each description carefully and indicate whether you think a BFOQ is warranted.
Broadway Actress Finally a chance to make it big on stage. A company needs four young, liberal-minded females to star in sophisticated adult play off Broadway. The appearance of the person to fit the part is important.

Warehouseman Small lumber company needs six men to replace striking warehousemen. Job involves lifting and carrying heavy lumber products. Excellent pay and benefits.
Apply in person at
Knothole Lumber Company
Bark and Splinter Streets
Macon, GA

Prison Guard Need self-confident, muscular, and experienced male facility guard. Must be able to work effectively with others in a potentially violent, dangerous environment.

Mechanic Large auto dealer needs severalmen for light mechanic work. Experienced only need apply. Must have own tools.
Apply in person at
Friendly Frank's Foreign Imports
Michigan Avenue
Evanston, IL
Digital Equipment Assembler Need females to assemble intricate computer equipment. Must have excellent hand-eye coordination and dexterity. No experience necessary-we train.
Apply in person at
Rayco Digital Equipment Co.
Third Street
New Albany, IN
(The owner attended a recent convention of computer manufacturers and heard an industrial psychologist say that a number of sophisticated research studies have shown that women are much more dextrous than men and therefore make better assemblers of intricate parts and equipment.)

Sales Representative Large title manufacturer needs aggressive salesperson to cover Texas region. Prefer male with extensive title-selling experience.


Flight Attendant Regional airline needs young, attractive female to fly West Coast routes. Must pass height and weight requirements.
Apply at
Flightly Airlines
Mesa Boulevard
San Diego, CA
(The human resource director had conducted a study showing that the airline's passengers-mostly male-show a strong preference for attractive female flight attendants. Additionally, the firm's consulting psychologist stated that the airline cabin represents a unique environment in which the psychological needs of passengers are better attended to by females than males.)
(The owner of the regional airline informally surveyed the other mechanics about the new employees. They emphatically stated, "We don't want to work around women!" In addition, the owner noted that state law requires separate restrooms for each sex, and that there was only one restroom in the shop. Building another restroom would require a large expenditure, and the space wasn't available.)

Women's High School Basketball Coach Coed high school looking for proven female basketball coach. Head coaching experience needed; ability to work with young women 14-18 years old is important. Need at least an undergraduate college degree.
Apply in person at
Pasadena High School
Main Street
Pasadena, TX

A final question: Is it legal for publishers to place ads in the paper on the basis of sex, such as "Help Wanted-Male" and Help Wanted-Female"?