A subtle form of discrimination.
In this form of discrimination people are hired or promoted because of they represent a minority rather than strictly on their qualifications.
Female and minority employees may be perceived by the White majority as "tokens," especially if they move up in the ranks of managemnt.
If placed in a position solely to meet a company's affirmative action goals, one token is as good as another as long as he or she represents the right category.
No matter how eminently qualified an employee may be, if the employee perveives that they are a token, the individual suffers as well as the organization.