What term describes treating persons unequally for reasons unrelated to their legal rights or abilities?

Discrimination refers to the unfair treatment of individuals based on characteristics that are not related to their legal rights or abilities. This concept encompasses actions and practices that disadvantage certain groups of people, leading to inequality and inequity in various settings, including employment and hospitality.

In the context of the hospitality industry, discrimination can manifest in hiring practices, promotions, customer service, and general workplace interactions, impacting the overall environment and service quality. It is essential for organizations to recognize and address discrimination to promote diversity and inclusivity, ensuring all employees and guests are treated with respect and fairness, irrespective of their race, gender, age, or other personal attributes.

In contrast, favoritism involves showing preferential treatment towards certain individuals or groups based on personal biases, rather than on merit. Stereotyping involves making generalized assumptions about a group that can lead to discrimination but is not synonymous with it. Segregation refers to the physical or social separation of groups, often based on discriminatory practices, but is a specific form of discrimination rather than a broader term. Thus, understanding discrimination in all its forms is vital for effective Human Resources Management in hospitality.