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Both the Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action are workplace policies that seek to reduce discrimination in business. The United States federal government instituted both programs in an effort to encourage diversity in corporate hiring and promotion. However, the programs differ in their goals, requirements and administration methods.

The Equal Employment Opportunity law requires that employers evaluate all job applicants fairly, without using their race, ethnicity, sex, age, religion or physical disability as a means for discrimination against them. Once a worker is hired, the Equal Employment Opportunity Act also mandates that employers extend job training and promotions equally to him, regardless of any physical differences or personal beliefs he may possess.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or EEOC, enforces the Equal Employment Opportunity in workplaces across the United States. This law applies to most companies that employ at least 15 people. When an employee makes an accusation of discrimination, the EEOC conducts an investigation and may either negotiate a settlement or, in cases of egregious conduct, file a lawsuit against the company.