What term is used to describe the situation when the selection rate for any race, sex, or ethnic group is less than 80% for the group having the highest selection rate?

The term used to describe the situation where the selection rate for any race, sex, or ethnic group is less than 80% of the rate for the group with the highest selection rate is known as adverse impact. This concept originates from the Uniform Guidelines on Employee Selection Procedures, which define adverse impact as a significant disparity in hiring outcomes among different demographic groups.

When a selection process results in a significantly lower selection rate for a minority group compared to the majority, it can suggest that the process may be discriminatory, even if there is no intentional bias in the hiring practices. The 80% rule indicates that a group is underrepresented if the selection rate for that group is less than 80% of the rate of the most favored group. Thus, it serves as a quantitative measure to assess potential discrimination in employment practices.

In contrast, equal opportunity focuses on ensuring that everyone has the same likelihood of being selected regardless of their background, which does not specifically address disparities in selection rates. Disparate treatment refers to intentional discrimination against individuals based on their protected characteristics, while affirmative action involves proactive measures to improve opportunities for historically marginalized groups. Each of these terms plays a distinct role in discussions of fairness and equity in employment, but the measurement of adverse impact is specifically tied