Question

Imagine that "XPatriot" is a U.S.-based company that is expanding operations in South America. When determining which employees will be selected for expatriate assignments, the company assesses candidates on four factors: 1) Ability to speak fluent Spanish; 2) Ethnicity, with preference being given to Hispanic candidates; 3) personality traits demonstrating one's ability to adjust to new cultures; 4) prior job performance within the company. When considering issues of legality and test validity, which of these four factors should XPatriot eliminate from their selection process? a. Ability to speak fluent Spanish b. Ethnicity, with preference given to Hispanic candidates c. Personality traits demonstrating one's ability to adjust to new cultures d. Prior job performance in the company

Answer 1

Answer:

The correct option is option 2: Ethnicity, with preference being given to Hispanic candidates.

Explanation:

It is relevant to employ a person on the basis of the traits, however racial discrimination and identifying a specific race for a specific role is illegal and bound to judicial procedure. Thus the 2nd option of the ethnicity should be removed from the selection process.

Answer 2

Answer: B. Ethnicity, with preference given to Hispanic candidates.

Explanation:

During the selection of employees for a particular job role, it is legal to assess them using certain tests. These tests must, however, be job-related and must not discriminate against protected groups. Protected groups include race, gender, age, disability, religion, skin color, etc.

In the case of 'XPatriot', all the criteria mentioned before the selection of employees who are to move to South America are all job-related except choosing on the basis of Ethnicity. This is because an employee may not be Hispanic but could meet the other more important criteria. Not choosing him would amount to some level of discrimination.