Answer the questions on course concepts for Chapter 11. Read and evaluate the Organizational Feature 11.1 on pages 361-2 “Cracker Barrel Reverses Its Antigay Stance but Diversity Problems Remain” and answer questions 1-3. “Mini-research” on Cracker Barrel’s current Diversity Program.
Written responses must be typed, size 12 font, double spaced and written in proper English in complete sentences or bullet points accompanied by narrative sentences. Question/answer format should be used. For each question, answer sufficiently to demonstrate thought and understanding (One sentence answers will not be sufficient).
Grading criteria: total possible points 20 (score represents 5% of total grade in the course) Estimated total length of assignment 3-4 pages.
CONCEPT QUESTIONS (10 points in total; points as indicated for each question)
1) Define gender identity. Define sexual orientation. Explain the difference between the two concepts. (3 points)
2) One important purpose of a company Website is to communicate positive information about the company. How might inclusive practices be perceived by people who are gay or lesbian (i.e. GLBTQ)? How might the practices be perceived by other employees? (2 points)
3)Sexual orientation is relatively invisible in that people can remain “in the closet” (not reveal orientation) or “come out” (reveal orientation). From the standpoint of organizational effectiveness, what are the advantages and disadvantages of a person being “closeted” versus a person being “out?” (3 points)
4) How is the relative invisibility of sexual orientation similar to or different from the invisibility of religion? (Note: this is a think question) (2 point)
ORGANIZATIONAL FEATURE: Read and evaluate the Organizational Feature 11.1 on pages 361-2 “Cracker Barrel Reverses Its Antigay Stance but Diversity Problems Remain”
and answer questions listed in the text as 1,2, and 3 and restated below as questions 5,6, and 7. (6 points in total; 2 points foreach question)
5) What are the similarities and differences between the race and sexual orientation concerns at Cracker Barrel? (2 points)
6) What does the Cracker Barrel Web Site say about its “Pleasing People” Goal? (Go to https://www.crackerbarrel.com, click on “About” at the bottom of the homepage and you will find the “Our Mission-Pleasing People”)(2 points)
7) What kinds of messages are sent by an agreement to an $8.7 million settlement but no admission of wrongdoing? (2 points)
MINI-RESEARCH: Conduct further research on the Cracker Barrelwebsite and write a brief essay https://www.crackerbarrel.com(4 points) (two paragraph minimum answer) in which you:
1) Describe the efforts of the company to embrace diversity and inclusion.
2) Evaluate the effectiveness and authenticity of the company’s efforts organization.
3) Make recommendations for any other actions which would enhance the company’s efforts
Suggestions: look at the Supplier Diversity section, the About-> Diversity and Inclusion, Careers-> Why Work at Cracker Barrel? (4 points)