Analyzing Wilkerson's Equity In Academia

In Equity in Academia, Wilkerson started to debate whether she should blame Agua for making more money than her. She considers “[charging] sex discrimination and [demanding] to be paid as much as Agua” (Griffin & Moorhead, 2012). If Wilkerson had decided to charge sex discrimination, it would have been unethical. “Ethics refers to ‘doing things right’ and ‘doing the right things’ in organizational context” (Eisenberg, Goodall & Trethewey, 2014). Since Wilkerson was not actually discriminated against, falsely accusing Agua would have been wrong. If anyone had found out that Wilkerson falsely accused Agua, then her reputation would have been destroyed. “One critical variable to fostering student learning is ensuring the quality of teachers” (Odrakiewicz,
2011). Fortunately, Wilkerson realized that falsely accusing Agua would have been unfair and more harmful to her reputation as a teacher. As a professor, Wilkerson should be a role model for her students. She can show them that hard work will lead to success.
Integrity.
When Wilkerson was debating whether to file a complaint against Agua, she had to determine if he was doing anything to break the rules. If Agua was doing something sneaky or immoral to get out of teaching, then Wilkerson would have reported him. Wilkerson’s character has a high level of integrity, from the case study we can see that she has “honesty, openness, commitment, and trust,” which are some qualities for a person of high integrity (Eisenberg, Goodall & Trethewey, 2014). “Integrity is mentioned as a key element in most leadership[s]” (Palanski, Cullen, Gentry & Nichols, 2015). Wilkerson is a leader in her classroom, and this is partly because of the integrity she has. When Wilkerson did not report Agua she is still acting with integrity because she did not falsely accuse Agua with sex discrimination or demand that the school raise her salary to match his. She accepted that the extra work he does for the school earns him the $1000
bonus.
Human Relations Approach
College students are looking for someone to follow as a role model. The purpose of college is to learn and further student’s education. If the professors that are teaching at universities are not completely involved in the students learning, then the students can suffer. The Human Relations approach “emphasizes the interpersonal and social needs of individuals” (Eisenberg, Goodall & Trethewey, 2014). College students are looking for a leader to look up too and to get advice from. Wilkerson is an example of a great role model for college students. Wilkerson can apply “human relations skills by creating environment of social interactions, [treat] others as equals…listen intently…treating people fairly… [and can] deal effectively with conflicts organization” in her classroom (Ukabuilu & Igbojekwe, 2015). These are all qualities that make Wilkerson a person who can connect and have a relationship with her students. For example, in the case study, she finds a note from one of her freshman students, Wendy Martin, that thanks Wilkerson for “taking the time to talk to [her]” and she told Wilkerson that she “helped her a whole lot” (Griffin & Moorhead, 2012). Agua probably will not have very many students come to him for help, or have a student appreciate his advice.
Hawthorne Studies.
The results from the Hawthorne Studies suggest that “increased attention raises productivity” (Eisenberg, Goodall & Trethewey, 2014). We can assume that because of the time Wilkerson dedicated to her students, she probably has higher grade averages compared to Agua. Agua does not give enough attention to his students, therefore they do not care as much about the work. Wilkerson, on the other hand, gives each student attention and encourages them to ask questions so they can progress in their education. “The Hawthorne Studies…experimentally questioned the prevailing assumptions or paradigms about organizational management and design, and brought an awareness of the need for greater attention to human needs, motives and relationships at work” (Harris & Nelson, 2008). Wilkerson understands the importance of relationships with her students, and that will give her students more success in the long
run.