ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book attempts to bring to the fore the diverse impacts of globalization on work and employment in the Asia-Pacific region. It contribute to the debates on both the impacts of globalization on Human Resource Management (HRM), work, the workplace and employment, and the responses of individual employees, trade unions and employers. The impact of globalization is being felt in both the private and public sectors in almost every country. Bernard McKenna's contribution explores the responses of Australian trade unions to globalization. Lewis et al. assess the transformation of Australia from a white only country and, consequently, a homogeneous workplace, to a multicultural society and workplace. They trace the origins of the term multiculturalism, which came into popular usage in Australia in the 1980s and the liberalization of immigration policies which have allowed non-whites to immigrate, live and work in Australia.
