What is the difference between “under-representation rates” versus “participation rates”?
A. “Under-representation” was the former term used to reflect the race and ethnicity statistics that fell below the civilian labor force figures. Since the 2003 release of Management Directive 715, agencies utilize the term “participation rates” to identify the statistics by race and ethnicity, gender, and disability categories. For example, rates of participation in the areas of promotion, recruitment, retention, training, awards and discipline, etc. are examined to ensure equal opportunity.
