An Exercise for Conveying Equal Employment Opportunity Concepts for Industrial-Organizational Psychology Courses

Abstract

Background: Equal employment opportunity guidelines and concepts are important for increasing equity in the workplace. Given the large number of undergraduate students currently in or entering the workforce, it is critical to convey these concepts in a manner that increases student understanding of appropriate organizational behavior. Objective: We present and discuss an exercise and corresponding in-class discussion aimed at conveying equal employment opportunity concepts to undergraduate students. Method: An exercise was developed using vignettes based on cases that demonstrate key equal opportunity concepts. Student understanding of equal employment opportunity was assessed pre- and post-exercise. Results: Overall, the post-exercise measures suggested greater student understanding of equal employment opportunity concepts in comparison to their pre-exercise understanding. Conclusion: The exercise described herein is an impactful and effective means of engaging students in content related to equal employment opportunity. Teaching Implications: Instructors can use this active exercise in their courses to aid students in their understanding of equal employment opportunity concepts. As a result, students’ knowledge of equal employment opportunity may encourage them to combat and prevent occurrences of discrimination in the workplace.