What is the primary purpose of affirmative action in hiring practices?

The primary purpose of affirmative action in hiring practices is to increase equal opportunity employment. Affirmative action is designed to address and counteract historical inequalities and discrimination in the workplace. It seeks to ensure that individuals from underrepresented groups have fair access to job opportunities, thereby promoting a more inclusive and equitable employment environment. By focusing on equal opportunity, affirmative action helps organizations to not only comply with legal standards but also to enhance workplace diversity in a meaningful way. This approach can lead to a richer variety of perspectives, skills, and experiences within a workforce, ultimately benefiting both employees and employers.

The other options, while related to employment practices, do not align as closely with the core aim of affirmative action. Promoting diversity should not come at any cost; it must be balanced with fair hiring practices. Additionally, although affirmative action may influence promotions, its main focus lies primarily on the initial hiring process. Lastly, the idea of eliminating all hiring preferences contradicts the fundamental goals of affirmative action, which seeks to create opportunities for those who have been historically disadvantaged rather than removing all criteria that assist in establishing a diverse workplace.