AFFIRMATIVE ACTION IN THE 1990s: CONTRADICTORY DEVELOPMENTS IN A CHALLENGING ENVIRONMENT

Abstract

The principle of discrimination‐free behaviour has been established in Australia as the basis for behaviour in organizations. This principle forms the basis of affirmative action legislation and is integrated into industrial relations legislation. Some employers in Australia have recognized that a situation which is free from discrimination and provides equal employment opportunity requires an acknowledgement of the impact of family responsibilities on work behaviour. This has resulted in the implementation of initiatives designed to accommodate work and family needs of employees. However, despite the more general acknowledgement among employers of the value of employing women in a range of positions, developments in the industrial relations arena could threaten the continued creation of equal employment opportunity.

Citation

Kramer, R. (1993), "AFFIRMATIVE ACTION IN THE 1990s: CONTRADICTORY DEVELOPMENTS IN A CHALLENGING ENVIRONMENT", Women in Management Review, Vol. 8 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/09649429310037634