The 1998 annual report for Sears shows that, since 1978, it has experienced dramatic changes in the composition of its workforce. Sears has increased the number of women, blacks, and Hispanics in all job categories, including managerial, technical, and sales positions. This increase is most likely due to the company's .

affirmative action program.

Explanation:Affirmative action is an active effort to improve employment or educational opportunities for members of minority groups and for women. Affirmative action began as a government remedy to the effects of long-standing discrimination against such groups and has consisted of policies, programs, and procedures that give preferences to minorities and women in job hiring, admission to institutions of higher education, the awarding of government contracts, and other social benefits.

a.