Author: Eleanor Holmes Norton, Alan K. Campbell, Drew S. Days III, Weldon J. Rougeau, Kent A. Peterson
Publisher: U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Publication Year: 1979
Summary: The following article is more specific to a particular section of data ethics: identifying adverse impact in hiring and promotions. Each group impacted by the hiring/promotion decision must be at least four-fifths (or 80%) of the group with the highest selection rate. “For example, if the hiring rate for whites other than Hispanics is 60%, for American Indians 45%, for Hispanics 48%, and for Blacks 51%, and each of these groups constitutes more than 2% of the labor force in the relevant labor area, a comparison should be made of the selection rate for each group with that of the highest group (whites). These comparisons show the following impact ratios: American Indians 45/60 or 75%; Hispanics 48/60 or 80%; and Blacks 51/60 or 85%. Applying the 4/5ths or 80% rule of thumb, on the basis of the above information alone, adverse impact is indicated for American Indians but not for Hispanics or Blacks.”