Final answer:
2) The employees, Managers are the key figures responsible for maintaining a positive EO climate within a company, due to their significant role in shaping job satisfaction and influence over employees' perceptions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The individual responsible for maintaining a positive Equal Opportunity (EO) climate in the unit is primarily the manager. While a positive EO climate is a collective effort, the manager has the authority to set the tone for the entire unit. They possess significant influence in shaping job satisfaction and career growth, which are crucial factors in a positive working environment.
This is important as a manager's recommendations and approach can greatly impact employees and influence upper management's perception of those employees. Good managers are expected to be knowledgeable, competent, fair, and supportive of employees' professional development.
Managers should also encourage professional and resourceful behavior, which can result in positive feedback that may lead to further opportunities and increased job satisfaction for the employees. Similarly, the board of directors, elected by the shareholders, play an essential role in corporate governance, providing oversight for top executives, which contributes to a healthy corporate culture. Auditing firms and large shareholders also have roles in corporate governance, ensuring financial transparency and ethical business practices, which support a positive EO climate from the top down.
Moreover, employee-owned businesses suggest that when employees have a stake in their organization, they are directly involved in creating and maintaining a positive work culture. This cooperative structure tends to value an equitable and respectful work environment, which aligns with EO principles.