Abuse in the Workplace- a case of Gender Discrimination Research Paper

Abuse in the Workplace- a case of Gender Discrimination - Research Paper Example The notion of discrimination is best described as favorable treatment towards individuals not on the basis of merit but on the basis of bias or other immoral attitude (Mill, 1963). In what follows, a critical approach towards gender discrimination is taken along with its implications for organizations. Cases of gender discrimination are a common sight in the workplace today. Not long ago a lawsuit was filed against the Boston Cigna HealthCare Company for charges of gender discrimination. According to the lawsuit, it is alleged that the company intentionally discriminated against Bretta Karp and other female employees by displaying unfavorable treatment towards them compared to their male counterparts in terms of promotion practices, pay increases and an uncongenial workplace environment (Chase & Reidy, 2011). The company, however, denied all charges by claiming that it is committed to diversity management and does not allow any such behavior that leads to discrimination of any sort ( Chase & Reidy, 2011). Discrimination, such as the above, adds to the woes of females in the workplace by lowering their morale and threatening their self-esteem. Research suggests that after having controlled for factors such as age, education, experience, skills and parental status, women still receive only 81% of the pay of men for similar nature of work (Ashkanasy, Wilderom, & Peterson, 2010).