Managing AIDS in Large Corporations

Author

Hilary Linda Furman, Fontbonne College

Year of Award

1992

Degree

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

College

College of Business & Professional Studies

Degree Program

Business Administration

Department

Business Administration

Keywords

HIV, benefits, healthcare, employee, federal, EEOC, discrimination

Abstract

Clearly, the AIDS epidemic will not just disappear, and large corporations cannot hide from it. Because there is a universal risk of infection for this fatal disease, no organization is immune to the potentially disastrous effects of HIV infection in the workplace. Corporations must confront the issue of AIDS to avoid lost productivity, workplace disruption, lawsuits, and other problems faced by employers who were not prepared for their first case of AIDS. The most sensible approach is to use effective preventive measures. Knowledge of relevant medical facts, following the evolution of AIDS-related laws, broad terminal illness policies, and developing and maintaining educational programs are the tools available to protect organizations that may have to confront AIDS in the workplace. If a corporation does not use these tools today, it may become a casualty of AIDS in the workplace tomorrow.

Chapter 1 deals with confronting AIDS in the workplace.

Chapters 2 and 3 cover the latest medical and legal information.

Chapter 4 discusses policy development and includes why a policy is important, what a policy should cover and a number of examples from the private sector.

Chapter 5 provides a structure and model for developing an AIDS educational program. The critical importance of continuous education that includes updated material is stressed.

Chapter 6 looks at the practical problems most frequently confronted by managers in the workplace. Problem solutions that are consistent with the law and protective of legitimate business interests are recommended.

Chapter 7 concludes with information from surveys of people in the U.S. workforce regarding AIDS. Large numbers of people still do not know the facts about AIDS/HIV disease, and even more have not changed their behaviors. A recent study by the New York Business Group on Health found that nearly 20% of employees still believe AIDS can be caught from a sneeze or coughing. And nearly one-third of employees have negative attitudes towards people with AIDS. Given this fear and lack of knowledge, AIDS still has the potential to trigger discrimination, harassment, and work disruptions which affect morale and are costly.

Comments

This thesis was selected for its superior quality, and was suggested as a good example for MBA students to follow.

Document Type

Restricted Thesis

Recommended Citation

Furman, Hilary Linda, "Managing AIDS in Large Corporations" (1992). All Theses, Dissertations, and Capstone Projects. 354.
https://griffinshare.fontbonne.edu/all-etds/354