The effect of age, gender, job level and race on attitudes towards affirmative action

Abstract

The study sought to establish the effect of age, gender, job level and race on attitudes towards affirmative action. A research was conducted in a government organisation in the security cluster in one of the provinces in South Africa. Findings indicated that men and women’s disposition towards affirmative action was positive. Employees at different job levels and varying age groups were also positive towards affirmative action in general. There were significantly lower numbers of white participants and those on senior management levels such that this cannot be objectively reported. The generally positive regard employees have towards affirmative action is good for the organisation if it wants to build a cohesive culture that is non sexist and does not discriminate on the basis of job level and age.