ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book clarifies concepts relevant to the practice, and provides contextual information to better understand the development of diversity management in European countries. It focuses on the countries within the European Union, and therefore the terms 'Europe' or 'European countries' is employed only in this restricted sense. The book looks at the origins of diversity management and the factors which have provided a stimulus to its development in the US, and provides examples of the kinds of activities which take place under the heading of diversity management in US companies. It draws on selected key sources of information with the highlighting some of the relevant issues for those who wish to observe or research development of diversity management in the European context. The book explores the relationship of diversity management to the specific issue of combating racial discrimination in the sphere of employment.
