An Examination of Cultural Diversity Discrimination Claims in Texas Construction Companies: A Case Study

Gabe Goldstein, Purdue University

Abstract

This case study investigated cultural diversity discrimination claims within the Texas construction industry. The research questions guiding this study were: 1. To what extent is there a pattern of discrimination based on cultural differences in the workplace within the Texas construction industry? 2. What changes in legislation, policies, or practices have been proposed or enacted in Texas to address issues of cultural diversity discrimination? Using publicly available archival data, historical documents, and court records from the EEOC, Texas Workforce Commission and Civil Rights Division, and the Texas court system, this case study examined claims involving cultural diversity discrimination over a ten-year period, from 2010 through 2020. An analysis of the data revealed a clear pattern of ongoing cultural diversity discrimination within the Texas construction industry based on race/ethnicity, color, and national origin for the entire period under investigation. This study did not find new legislation, policies, or practices enacted by the state of Texas in response to the growing discrimination claims filed against the Texas construction industry. The study culminated with recommendations for future research and proposed the Goldstein Cultural Integration Model as one of several approaches toward embracing cultural diversity in the workplace.

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

Naimi, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Multicultural Education|Organizational behavior

COinS