Multicultural Diversity: Midterm

When job descriptions are designed, they should be made to clearly express what the needs of the
position are in order to be effective. The job specification can identify the expectations of the individual.
In many positions, English, as both the spoken and written language, can be required. Consider how best
to handle an employee where the English language is not his or her native or primary language and how
a manager can better prepare line-level employees for promotion opportunities.

1. Can you refuse a job or promotion to someone who doesn’t speak English well enough to the job
properly?

No, similar to employees who speak with accents, an employer must show a legitimate, non-
discriminatory reason to deny you of an employment opportunity because of proficiency (how well you
speak or write) in English. Whether or not it is illegal to discriminate against you will depend on your
qualifications, the nature of the position, and whether your level of English proficiency would have a
detrimental effect on your job performance.

2. What advice might you have for the hotel?

I will offer educational opportunities to my employees. I will let them take courses to learn English,
which will not only improve their ability to communicate with their colleagues and customers.

Equality in employment embraces all without discrimination