American clothing company Levi Strauss & Co. (LS&Co.) had a diverse workforce and prided itself on not discriminating against employees based on their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or gender. The company reported treating its employees equally and with gender pay parity. However, in May 2020 LS&Co. recognized that women held a minority of higher-level positions and Latinx/Hispanic and Black employees were underrepresented, as well. Consequently, the company hired Elizabeth A. Morrison.
Morrison’s challenges included developing a talent pipeline of designers; ensuring pay equity in all the company’s markets; improving the recruitment and retention of a the workforce; and establishing an ongoing positive culture.
With LS&Co. as an example of a firm with both shortcomings and accomplishments, students can better understand the concepts of racial discrimination, pay parity, gender equity, and inclusion, and how to apply them in business settings.
Instructors can find learning objectives in the teaching note that accompanies this case.