Equal Employment Opportunity,and the Merit Principle

Abstract

This paper considers the relationship between the two principles of merit and equulity of employment opportunity. It argues that there are instances when these conflict. It is necessary to clarify the arguments that surround this position and to identify courses of action which can be ethically and logically defended.

Such positions may require that government assume a greater respansibility for the consequences of social injustice rather than attempting to shift this responsibility to employers. It is argued that employers should study carefully their procedures and ensure they understand the implications of their personnel decision relative to potential issues that could involve charges of discrimination.