Question:Which of the following is an example of ‘positive discrimination’ rather than ‘positive action’ on equal opportunities?
  A.Selecting a certain number of people from ethnic minorities for jobs, regardless of job-relevant selection criteria
  B.Using ethnic languages in job advertisements
  C.Setting targets for the number of people from ethnic minorities that the organisation would like to see in managerial positions
AnswerA
 
  Rationale:Positive discrimination (treating a minority group ‘unfairly’ well) is not permitted,except in relation to training provision. ‘Quotas’ are positive discrimination, because selection decisions cannot be justified on non-discriminatory grounds: ‘targets’ (as in option C) are ‘positive action’ – because they lead organisations to encourage under-represented groups to apply for jobs, and make non-discrimination a performance measure for selectors.