HUMAN RIGHTS, INCLUSIVITY & ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES GRADE 12 NOTES
BUSINESS STUDIES
GRADE 12
TERM THREE
WEEK 1 & 2
HUMAN RIGHTS, INCLUSIVITY & ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
2023
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TOPICS PAGES
Exam guidelines for human rights, inclusivity and 2
environmental Issues
Terms and definitions 3
Human rights & dealing with human rights in the 4-5
workplace
Economic rights of employees in the workplace 5
Social rights and ways businesses can promote social 5
rights in the workplace
Ways to promote cultural rights in the workplace 5
Implications of equality, respect and dignity on 6
businesses
Meaning of diversity 6
Diversity issues in the workplace 6
Ways in which businesses can deal with diversity in the 6-8
workplace
Benefits of diversity in the workplace 8
The responsibilities of employers in promoting human 9
health and safety in the workplace
Roles of Health and Safety Representatives in 9
protecting the workplace environment
The responsibility of workers in promoting human 9
health and safety in the workplace
Strategies businesses may use to protect the 10
environment and human health.
This chapter consists of 10 pages
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HUMAN RIGHTS, INCLUSIVITY & ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES GRADE 12 NOTES
CONTENT DETAILS FOR TEACHING, LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT PURPOSES
Learners must be able to:
HUMAN, ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL RIGHTS
Outline/Name the following human rights in the workplace:
o Privacy
o Dignity
o Equity
o Freedom of speech and expression
o Information
o Safety, security and protection of life
Identify the above-mentioned human rights from given scenarios /statements.
Recommend ways in which businesses could deal with the above-mentioned human
rights in the workplace.
Outline/Mention the economic rights of employees in the workplace.
Outline/Mention the social rights of employees in the workplace.
Recommend ways in which businesses could promote social rights and cultural rights in
the workplace.
Explain the implication of equality, respect and dignity on businesses.
DIVERSITY
Define/Elaborate on the meaning of diversity in the workplace.
Identify/Name the following diversity issues from given scenarios/statements:
o Poverty, race
o Gender, language, age,
o Culture/religion and
o Disability.
Recommend/Suggest ways in which businesses could deal with the above-mentioned
diversity issues in the workplace.
Discuss the benefits of diversity in the workplace.
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
Explain the responsibilities of employers in promoting human health and safety in the
workplace.
Outline/Explain/Discuss the roles of the health and safety representatives in protecting
the workplace environment, e.g. checking on the effectiveness of health and safety
measures/identifying potential dangers in the work environment/ investigating workers’
complaints, etc.
Identify the roles of health and safety representatives from given scenarios.
Explain the responsibilities of workers/employees in promoting human health and safety
in the workplace.
Identify the responsibilities of employers and employees/workers in promoting human
health and safety in the workplace from given scenarios.
Recommend/Suggest strategies businesses may use to protect the environment and
human health.
Assess a business venture on human rights, inclusivity, and environmental issues, using
informal surveys, interviews, etc.
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HUMAN RIGHTS, INCLUSIVITY & ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES GRADE 12 NOTES
TERMS AND DEFINITIONS
TERM DEFINITION
Human rights The rights of all human beings irrespective of their gender/race/nationality
or any other status.
Rights that everyone must enjoy by mere fact that they are human beings
Inclusivity Means that no one should be excluded because of their gender/age/race/
language/disability.
Environmental Relate to preserving a clean/safe/sustainable environment.
issues
Diversity It means the workforce must include groups of a variety of people who
are different in race/gender, class etc.
Poverty Being unable to satisfy basic needs due to lack of income to buy
Inequality Unfair differences between groups of people in society/When some
have access to more wealth/status/opportunities than others.
Race Classification of people according to their physical differences e.g. colour of
their skin.
Gender Refers to being male or female.
Disability A physical or mental condition that limits a person's movements,
senses, or activities.
Religion A belief in and worship of a superhuman controlling power,
especially a personal God.
Age The length of time that a person has lived or a thing has existed.
Culture The ideas, customs, and social behaviour of a particular people or society.
Equality The fact of being equal in rights, status, advantages etc.
Respect A polite behaviour towards or care for somebody/something that you think is
important.
Dignity A calm and serious manner that deserves respect.
Economic rights The rights each person has to be economically active.
Social rights Right to welfare benefits.
Cultural rights A right to participate in cultural activities and events of your choice.
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HUMAN RIGHTS, INCLUSIVITY & ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES GRADE 12 NOTES
1 HUMAN, ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL RIGHTS
1.1 HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE WORKPLACE
The following human rights are applicable in the workplace:
o Privacy
o Dignity
o Equity
o Freedom of speech and expression
o Information
o Safety, security and protection of life
1.1.1 Ways in which businesses could deal with the above-
mentioned human rights in the workplace
Privacy
Businesses may not violate the rights of the employees and clients.
They should not provide personal information about employees to anyone else.
Information on employees who have disclosed their HIV/Aids status/any chronic
illness must be kept confidential.
It is illegal to read other people's emails/record conversations unless stated clearly
and upfront.
Dignity
Businesses must treat all employees with dignity/respect regardless of their socio-
economic status.
They should not force workers to do embarrassing or degrading work.
Equity
Equal pay for work of equal value
Managers should ensure that no employee suffers because of discrimination.
Businesses must give equal opportunities against their employees on the basis of
gender/race/religion/sexual orientation, etc.
They should apply relevant legislation fairly on all levels.
Freedom of speech and expression
Businesses should allow open communication channels between management and
employees.
An employee should not be punished/discriminated against for voicing their opinion
They should give employees a platform to raise their grievances without any
victimisation.
Information
Employees should be informed/updated as new information becomes available.
Business needs to be transparent in their financial statements/Employees may
request to see these statements with motivation.
Workers should have access to information, including all information held by the
government, e.g. policies/work schedules/employment contracts/labour laws such as
BCEA/EEA/SDA, etc.
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HUMAN RIGHTS, INCLUSIVITY & ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES GRADE 12 NOTES
Safety, security and protection of life
Provide workers with protective clothing, e.g. gloves and footwear, etc.
Comply with safety legislation such as COIDA/OHSA, etc.
Employees should work in a safe working environment free from hazardous
products/areas.
Employers should take precautionary measures to ensure employees and their
belongings are safe in the workplace.
1.2 Economic rights of employees in the workplace
Free from forced labour
Free to accept or choose work
Join/Form trade unions
Right to participate in a legal strike
Equal pay for work of equal pay
Reasonable limitation of working hours
Safe and healthy working conditions
1.3 SOCIAL RIGHTS OF EMPLOYEES IN THE WORKPLACE
The following social rights are applicable to the workplace:
Clean water
Education
Protection
Health care
1.3.1 Ways in which businesses could promote social rights
Businesses should ensure that employees have access to clean water/social
security.
Provide health care services by establishing site clinics to give employees access to
basic medical examinations.
Encourage employees/Provide opportunities for skills training/basic education.
Encourage employees to participate in special events, e.g. World Aids day.
Register workers with UIF to provide adequate protection in the event of
unemployment/illness.
1.4 Cultural rights
Ways to promote cultural rights in the workplace
Employees should be trained on cultural tolerance.
Employ people from various cultural backgrounds.
Encourage employees to participate in cultural activities.
Make provision for different cultures, such as food served in the
canteen/entertainment at staff functions
Regular cultural information sessions will help employees to respect each other's
culture in the workplace
Provide the environment in which employees are free to use their own language
when interacting with others during their free time.
Allow employees to provide solutions to challenges from their own cultural
perspective.
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HUMAN RIGHTS, INCLUSIVITY & ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES GRADE 12 NOTES
1.5 Implications of equality, respect and dignity for businesses
Businesses should treat all their employees equally, regardless of their race/
colour/age/gender/disability, etc.
All workers should have access to equal opportunities/positions/ resources.
Mission statement should include values of equality/respect.
Treat workers with respect/dignity by recognising work well done/the value of human
capital.
Ensure that employees work in an environment that is conducive to safety/
fairness/free from embarrassment.
Employers should respond swiftly and fairly to reported incidents of discrimination in
the workplace.
Orders/Tasks should be given respectfully and allow the recipient/employee to have
a say in the manner in which the task should be performed.
Employers and employees need to comply with legislation with regard to equal
opportunities/human rights in the workplace.
Businesses should develop equity programmes/promote strategies to ensure that all
employees are treated equally regardless of status/rank/power.
Training/Information/Business policies should include issues such as diversity/
discrimination/harassment.
2 Diversity in the workplace
2.1 The meaning of diversity
Diversity refers to the variety of people employed based on age/race/gender/ ethnic
groups/disabilities/material wealth/personalities/how employees see themselves and
others.
Businesses employ people from different cultural backgrounds.
2.2 Diversity issues in the workplace
The following diversity issues are applicable to the workplace:
Poverty
Race
Gender
Language
Age
Culture/Religion
Disability
2.3 Ways in which businesses could deal with the above-
mentioned diversity issues in the workplace
Poverty
Businesses should employ people from different socio-economic backgrounds/
status.
Reward employees for services well-rendered.
Offer subsidised meals/canteen facilities on the premises.
Supply free uniforms to employees for safety purposes
Train all employees so that they can be able to deal with retrenchment.
Train some unemployed people from local communities as part of a business's CSI
projects
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HUMAN RIGHTS, INCLUSIVITY & ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES GRADE 12 NOTES
Give previously disadvantaged individuals a chance to be educated by incorporating
Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET) into training programmes of the business.
Ensure that the prices of products are affordable for the identified consumer market.
Sponsor learnerships for unemployed people/use grants received from SETAs to
train more unemployed people from local communities.
Race
Implement affirmative action policies as required by law.
No discrimination should be made based on skin colour.
Ensure that the workplace is diverse by employing people from different race
Groups.
When appointments are made, previously disadvantaged people should get
preferential treatment.
Comply with the Employment Equity Act and BBBEE when appointing people.
Gender
Males and females should be offered equal employment opportunities.
Business directors should promote both men and women in managerial positions.
Women should be employed to comply with EEA.
Targets may be set for gender equity in the business.
New appointments should be based on skills and ability.
Introduce affirmative action by ensuring that male and female employees are
remunerated fairly/equally.
Language
Provide training in the official language of the business.
No worker should feel excluded in meetings conducted in one language only.
Employ an interpreter so that everyone can fully understand what is being said in a
meeting.
All business contracts should be in an easy-to-understand language and should be
available in the language of choice for the relevant parties signing the contract.
Business may specify that all communications should be in one specific language
only and would expect employees to have a certain level of fluency in that language.
Age
A business may not employ children aged 15 or younger
The ages of permanent workers should vary from 18 to 65 to include all age
Groups.
Young employees must be advised to respect and learn from older employees.
Businesses must encourage older employees to help young employees to develop
their potential.
Promotions should not be linked to age, but rather to a specific set of skills.
A business may employ a person who is older than the normal retirement age,
provided that person is the most suitable candidate.
The business should encourage employees to be sensitive to different perspectives
of various age groups.
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HUMAN RIGHTS, INCLUSIVITY & ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES GRADE 12 NOTES
Culture/Religion
Cater for special food/preparation methods in the workers' canteen.
Businesses should acknowledge/respect cultural differences of employees.
The business may not discriminate against employees on the grounds of their
cultural background.
Business must not force employees to do work that could be against their
religion
Business must be sensitive to special requests from different cultural groups, e.g.
allow day(s) off for cultural holidays/festivals.
Disability/Physically challenged/People living with disability
Business should provide employment opportunities for people who are physically
challenged.
Employees should be trained on how to deal with colleagues with disabilities.
Business should be well informed on how to deal with disabled employees.
Accommodate people who are physically challenged by providing facilities/ramps for
wheel-chairs, etc.
Ensure that workers with special needs are not marginalised/feel excluded from
workplace activities.
Policies and programs should accommodate the needs of people with disabilities.
Create an organisational culture/climate that is conducive for people with disabilities.
Business should bring in external experts to help with disability and accommodation
issues.
Focus on skills/work performance of the disabled worker, rather than his/her
disability/possible problems he/she may pose in future.
2.4 Benefits of diversity in the workplace
Diversity in the workforce improves morale/motivation.
Businesses with a diverse workforce are more likely to have a good public image and
attract more customers.
Diversified workforce can give businesses a competitive advantage, as they can
render better services.
Workforce diversity improves the ability of a business to solve problems innovate
/cultivate diverse markets
A diversified workforce stimulates debate on new/improved ways of getting things
done.
Employees demonstrate greater loyalty to the business because they feel
respected/accepted/understood.
Employees value each other's diversity and learn to connect/communicate across
lines of difference.
Employees from different backgrounds can bring different perspectives to the
business.
Employees represent various groups and are therefore better able to recognise
customer needs and satisfy consumers.
Being respectful of differences/demonstrating diversity makes good business
sense/improves profitability.
Diverse businesses ensure that its policies/practices empower every employee to
perform at his/her full potential.
Stakeholders increasingly evaluate businesses on how they manage diversity in the
workplace.
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HUMAN RIGHTS, INCLUSIVITY & ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES GRADE 12 NOTES
3 Environmental issues
3.1 Responsibilities of employers in promoting human health and
safety in the workplace
Provide and maintain all the equipment that is necessary to perform the work.
Equipment must be used under the supervision of a designated trained worker
Keep the systems to ensure that there will be no harmful impact on the health and
safety of workers.
Reduce/Remove dangers to workers and provide personal protective clothing
Employers must know where potential dangers might be and take measures to
eliminate or limit the harm
Ensure that the workers’ health is not damaged by hazards resulting from
production /processing/storage/transportation of materials or equipment
Workers must be informed /instructed/and supervised to limit potential dangers to
them/Emergency exit door signs should be visible to all employees
Comply with safety laws which seek to promote a healthy working environment
3.2 Roles of health and safety representatives in protecting the
workplace environment
Identify potential dangers in the workplace
Investigating workers’ complaints
Ensure that employers comply with COIDA
Ensure that protective clothing is provided /available to all workers.
Promote safety training so that employees may avoid potential dangers/act pro-
actively.
Ensure that all equipment that is necessary to perform work are provided /maintained
regularly.
Ensure that dangerous equipment is used under the supervision of trained/qualified
workers.
Check/Monitor the effectiveness of health and safety measures with management
Initiate/promote/Maintain /Review measures to ensure the health and safety of
workers.
Ensure that workers’ health and safety is not endangered by hazards resulting from
production /processing/storage/transportation of material/equipment.
Work together with the employer to investigate any accidents/complaints from the
workers concerning health and safety in the workplace.
NOTE: (Health and Safety Representatives are elected by co-workers to act on
their behalf in resolving health and safety issues in the workplace.)
3.3 Responsibility of workers in promoting human health and
safety in the workplace
Use prescribed safety equipment
Report accidents to the employer by the end of the shift
Report unsafe/unhealthy working conditions to the relevant authorities/ management.
Inform the employer of any illness that may affect the ability to work.
Workers should take care of their own health and safety in the workplace.
Co-operate and comply with the rules and procedures, e.g. wear prescribed safety
clothing.
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HUMAN RIGHTS, INCLUSIVITY & ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES GRADE 12 NOTES
3.4 Strategies businesses may use to protect the environment
and human health.
Machines must be serviced/maintained regularly.
Educate people about hygiene issues.
Encourage employees to do regular health checks
Minimise pollution, by re-using, reducing and recycling.
Become involved in environmental awareness programmes.
Water for human consumption should be tested before it is used.
Promote nature conservation by looking after natural resources.
Physical working conditions should always be worker friendly, safe and promote
occupational health.
Physical working conditions, e.g. adequate lighting/ventilation should be available
and functional.
Reduce consumption of goods/services which are environmentally unfriendly.
Laws and regulations should be adhered to so that profits are not generated at the
expense of the environment.
Pollution and other environmental issues should always be considered in all business
activities, e.g. safe disposal of waste/dumping of toxic waste, etc.
The environment can be protected by altering production techniques in favour of
cleaner and greener technologies.
Register/Engage with recognised institutions/bodies that promote green peace.
NOTE :( The focus should on “HOW/STRATEGIES” businesses should protect the
environment and promote human health)
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