Which of the following is included in the personnel activities covered by the Equal Employment Opportunity policy?

The inclusion of employee discipline in the personnel activities covered by the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policy is significant because the policy aims to ensure that all employees and job applicants are treated fairly and without discrimination. Employee discipline is a critical area where fairness must be applied, as it can directly impact an employee's career progression and workplace environment. The EEO policy mandates that disciplinary actions must be free from bias based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. This ensures that all employees are held to the same standards and that any disciplinary measures are based on justifiable reasons rather than discriminatory practices.

In contrast, corporate mergers, public relations strategies, and marketing and advertising expenses do not directly relate to the workforce management practices that EEO policies are designed to regulate. EEO policies focus on ensuring equitable treatment within the internal dynamics of the organization rather than external business strategies or financial maneuvers. Thus, employee discipline is a relevant component of maintaining an equitable workplace under the guidelines of the EEO policy.