ABSTRACT
Most literature on diversity management focuses on the internal processes of the organisation, and explores the implications of diversity management policies for the organisation's workforce, clientele and markets. Diversity management is complementary to anti-discrimination laws. Laws provide the context in which diversity management policies are adopted. In the light of Point and V. Singh's observation that 'Most studies of diversity appear to have been undertaken in the United States (US), where there is a very specific cultural, social and historical context'. In countries of southern Europe the majority of immigrants have been recruited for low skilled work that was shunned by the majority population, and trade unions have been concerned with issues of exploitation and legal insecurity for immigrant workers. In some European Union (EU) countries the majority of immigrant workers are legally restricted in their activities by work or residence permits.
