University removes merit from hiring policy

[VladTepes]

So apparently you can say this outright now and it's perfectly fine.   

Queensland University of Technology defends removing 'merit' from hiring policy
ABC Radio Brisbane / By Kenji Sato
Posted 2h ago

Queensland University of Technology's vice-chancellor has defended the decision to remove all references to "merit" from its hiring policy.

Staff were told about the move via an internal email, which informed them that they would be moving away from "the merit principle" towards a "more inclusive suitability assessment".

Vice-chancellor Margaret Sheil told ABC Radio Brisbane the suitability assessment would consider factors such as gender and ethnic backgrounds.

Professor Sheil said it would also consider the current demographic breakdown of their various schools and disciplines.

She said women, for example, were under-represented in science and engineering at QUT whereas men were under-represented in teaching and nursing.

She dismissed suggestions that the hiring process should be colourblind, saying that was impossible in practice.

"When people say things like 'We do this on merit', they're actually reflecting the bias of their own experience," Professor Sheil said.

"There's so much data on this around selection, whether it's recruitment into orchestras or into universities.

"There isn't a way of being colourblind that's not got some form of bias into it."

She said staff undertook unconscious bias training, and that the selection committees were chosen with diversity in mind.

She said they would aim to hire a diversity of personalities, such as recruiting more outgoing scientists who were good at industry engagement.

Professor Sheil denied the policy was a "political" decision, insisting it was a practical move to improve the university's talent pool.

"We need to access the entire talent pool, and we don't want everybody to look the same," she said.

"We need the workforce to reflect the students coming through, and we also know people look at things differently when they come from different backgrounds.

"I've been working in improving diversity in academic environments my entire career; it's got nothing to do with contemporary politics."

Professor Sheil said she was the first female professor of chemistry in Australia and has subsequently spent her life trying to get more women into science.

QUT claims the suitability assessment is based on the Queensland Public Service Commission's hiring strategy.

The ABC attempted to reach the QUT Liberal National Club and Young LNP for comment.

 

[Eric GSX1400K3]

I wonder if they made her reapply for her professor chair and the 6 figure salary + benefits that go with it, that she would claim her "merit" in that role. Otherwise by her "logic", they could hire the Pakistani foster kid who's just started at maccas mixing thickshakes.

What a load of utter utter shite, just self justification bs, "look at me I'm being inclusive"

Everyone gets a job based on their merit and skill sets

[VladTepes]

The point in this case is that they no longer do - merit / ability is NOT the primary consideration.

Apparently QUT (the uni in question) is slipping down the rankings. I can't imagine why...

[Hooli]

Racism and discrimination yet again. Funny how it's allowed in some directions.

Reminds me of when the RAF got taken to court and lost for saying they weren't training white male pilots as they were over represented!

[grog]

Just more crap that im not at all interested in.So glad i never need to meet these frogwits that invent this rubbish.

[Kiwifruit]

With New Zealand in the midst of forming a new three party coalition government (we are presently rudderless). We voted for change.
Our stupid PM Jacinda Ardern left the sinking Labour ship six monthe before the election. Labour got booted out but not before they had run up so much debt our grandchildren will still be paying it off.
I am starting to hear a lot more pushback on idiotic ideas, gender identity in schools. Being Inclusive. Transphobia could be making a comeback. Sensible sentencing of criminals and the cost to the country of the migration we have accepted from the likes of India and China. Foreign ownership of land and property, climate change, carbon emissions.... some people are starting to talk sense and it ain't the media.
There could be hope for us yet ??

[grog]

Media a huge problem, people believe whats forced into their face. Australia in dire trouble, so much debt, useless PM, anyone can buy here, come and live here but no houses available unless super cashed up. some are so its impossible for locals to survive. My town, my tradies get $1000, rent costs $700. WTF. Im lucky, payed off my debts, can now buy toys if i want. Feel so sorry for young people, interest rates going up, house prices ridiculous, they cant win.

[VladTepes]

yep and immigration increasing = further pressure on housing.

[Russty]

I wonder if these people want the merit requirement lifted from the airlines and hospitals?

"We decided to replace the objectively most capable neurosurgeon with someone less capable, clinically, as they were a better fit for our new diversity policy. You're welcome, sorry about the adverse result from your procedure"

ffs

[Batkwaka]

One of the reasons I left Australia Post after 30 years was them filling managerial positions with incompetent people that met the demographic required.
I spent too much time fixing their mistakes and dealing with good staff that had turned difficult because of poor management. I actually left 3 years earlier than I should have but enough was enough.

[grog]

So similar for me. Same job nearly 33 yrs. Used to have to be qualified tradesman. Not anymore. Standards lowered lots.If they say they can do it, they cant knock them back.😡I can walk away anytime i want, really wanted to work until 70, not so sure at present. A home person forever, that also worries me.

[Mick_J]

I'm glad I don't work for a living anymore, I'd be getting a bollocking everyday.  When I was a civil servant I got really pissed off with some new rule changes being introduced for new applicants.
I had to have a degree or equivalent in the subject/job I was applying for but the new rules binned all that.  If you were from an ethnic minority or were disabled you were given a guaranteed interview, the interview process was altered so the management had to prove you couldn't do the job rather than you prove you could.  The office started filling up with people who had no idea but met the the managers equality and diversity targets and it's getting worse.   

[KiwiCol]

That's how NZ was progressing too Mick, but not quite as bad as you guys have it.  Looks like this new government we've finally got will stamp this crap out, they've announced all Govt depts will change back to English names, not what we have now.

[Kiwifruit]

It's a good start Col.

[grog]

We need your govt to talk to ours, changing lots from Aussie names to Indigenous.