Affirmative action in recruitment refers to?

• A. Hiring based on random selection
• B. Policies to improve opportunities for underrepresented groups; requirements vary by jurisdiction and organization; compliance with laws.
• C. Eliminating all diversity efforts
• D. Only hiring from elite schools

Answer: (B)

Affirmative action in recruitment is about creating better access and opportunity for historically underrepresented groups by implementing policies and practices that broaden outreach and consideration in hiring. It acknowledges that some groups have faced barriers and uses proactive measures to address those gaps, all while complying with applicable laws that vary by country, state, or organization. This makes it distinct from random selection, which ignores diversity goals, and from approaches that underserve or exclude groups. It also stands in contrast to focusing only on elite sources, which can perpetuate inequities. In short, it’s about structured efforts to improve diversity and equal opportunity within the bounds of legal requirements.