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REPLY INSTRUCTIONS Topic: You are the senior Human Resources representative in a large organization with locations throughout the United States. The company has a long history of taking conservative views or positions on social issues. However, as economic compression strengthens, the senior leadership in the company recognizes that the conservative reputation of the organization is limiting entry in to various markets. The decision has been made to make changes throughout the organization’s approach to these issues, starting with its people programs. Specifically, the organization has selected to approve the offering of health benefits to domestic partners. You’ve been tasked with preparing the roll-out of this new initiative to the employees at all locations. Discuss how this will impact the organizations diversity training – what will need to change? Provide specific elements of how you will handle the concerns of current employees, over this new direction the leadership is taking. Finally, how will you personally balance this shift in the organizations’ direction, with your biblical worldview? Assignment You will submit replies of at least 250-350 words to the 2 other students’ threads below. Each reply must include a Scripture reference and at least 1 scholarly source, plus the text—all in current APA format. Both replies provide a thoughtful analysis (analyzing implications, and comparing/contrasting concepts). 1. Liam Tolsma The issue of how Christians should behave or address issues in an increasingly progressive society is a complicated issue. And many Christians have come to different conclusions on how these issues should be addressed. One of the most prominent issues today is the changing cultural landscape regarding LGBT rights. Many companies and parts of society are normalizing the idea of same-sex relationships (Rumens, 2016). I personally think the most important thing to do for a Human Resources representative dealing with these issues is to ensure that the company follows the law, which does protect people from being discriminated based on sexual orientation (Valentine et al, 2017). This is the primary role of a Human Resources manager, and God instructs us to follow the law (Romans 13:1). However, this command does become more complicated when the law encourages or protects immoral activity. We should always remember to put God’s word first before obeying the law. In this case, however, we are not making the decision to offer benefits to domestic partners. We are simply preparing the roll-out of this initiative. This includes making changes to diversity training. The company will likely encourage diversity training that educates employees to accept same-sex couples or couples who are not married but wish to receive benefits. It is interesting to note that, since same-sex marriage is legal in the United States (Georgetown Law, n.d.), there would not be a reason to require benefits as a domestic couple. Still, it seems that the majority of people in today’s society are comfortable with accepting that lifestyle. As such, the company’s actions will likely see little resistance. For any employees who are uncomfortable with this type of change, myself included, the most important question to ask is whether resistance could lead to termination. In order to survive and provide for our families, we need jobs. And embracing Christian values is counter-cultural. This could lead to employers terminating outspoken Christian employees for the sake of preserving a progressive organizational culture. I personally believe that when options are limited in a tough economy and we must provide for ourselves and our families, sometimes it is best to preserve our employment. However, this is a very difficult decision to make, as many factors must be balanced. Not everyone will come to the same conclusion and we must always do our best do honor God in our decisions. References Georgetown University Law Library. (n.d.). A timeline of the legalization of same-sex marriage in the U.S. Retrieved from https://guides.ll.georgetown.edu/c.php?g=592919&p=4182201 Rumens, N. (2016). Queering lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender identities in human resource development and management education contexts. Management Learning, 48(2), 227-242. Retrieved from https://journals-sagepub-com.ezproxy.liberty.edu/doi/full/10.1177/1350507616672737?utm_source=summon&utm_medium=discovery-provider#articleCitationDownloadContainer Valentine, S. R., Meglich, P. A., Mathis, R. L., & Jackson, J. H. (2017). Human Resource Management, 16th ed. Cengage Learning. 2. Christopher White Domestic partners getting health coverage is something that varies from state to state. I currently live in North Carolina and it is required to be offered in the city of Chapel Hill. (Paycor) These changes will affect the way we do training. The benefits of do a diversity training program according to Diversity Builder is, “a company that provides diversity programs, this training improves employee retention, increases morale, reduces workplace harassment and improves recruitment efforts to create a more diverse work force” (Chron). Providing the company with adequate training will further help the employees understand the importance of being more receptive to all people even when we don’t necessarily agree with the lifestyle or the decisions. When addressing members of the organization that had a problem with us offering this new policy, I would direct them to Ephesians 2:14, “For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility”. (NIV) These changes may bring a temporary hostile environment, but trusting in the Lord will help us prevail through the initial transition. It’s important to build a working culture that isn’t based on hate or judgment. Having employees that are able to have their beliefs without judging and attacking other employees for their beliefs has to be a focus. When it comes to my own personal Biblical world view, I think about 1 Corinthians 16:13, “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong”. (NIV) Standing firm in your faith is important when situations such as this one happens. It’s important to be accepting of all people and the choices that they have for their own life, but it’s also important to focus on the importance of your faith and what you believe in your own life. Standing firm on my faith will allow me to handle this transition because I know at the end of the day, the policy doesn’t matter, but my faith in Christ does. References: Balle, Louise. (2004). Chron. What is the Advantage for a Business to Have Diversity Training for Its Employees? Retrieved from: https://smallbusiness.chron.com/advantage-business-diversity-training-its-employees-4846.html#:~:text=According%20to%20Diversity%20Builder%2C%20a,a%20more%20diverse%20work%20force. Paycor. (August 21, 2019). Paycor. Are Domestic Partner Benefits Mandatory? Retrieved from: https://www.paycor.com/resource-center/are-domestic-partner-benefits-mandatory
