Journal Article

Diversity and equality in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Ortlieb, Renate, Hirt, Christian, Bešić, Almina, Bieber, Florian, Rahimić, Zijada

2019

Overview

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to contribute to knowledge about workplace diversity and equality in an under-researched country. Focusing on the south-eastern European transition economy of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), it elaborates on the country’s legislation, public debate and previous research in the field.Design/methodology/approachThe paper draws on a synopsis of the legislative framework, existing literature, public media and personal communications with human resource (HR) practitioners.FindingsThere is only limited research on diversity and equality in BiH. Ethnicity and gender are the most common grounds for discrimination. Although a solid body of legislation addressing anti-discrimination and equality issues exists, implementation is insufficient. The public debate tends to reinforce inter-ethnic conflicts and a negative atmosphere regarding sexual minority rights.Research limitations/implicationsDue to the general lack of research on diversity and equality in BiH, the findings presented in this paper only can serve as a first approximation of the topic. Further academic research on concrete business practices and perspectives of HR managers is needed.Practical implicationsFirms not only need to increase compliance with anti-discrimination law, but they should also focus more on the benefits a multi-ethnic society can offer.Originality/valueThis is the first paper in the management literature that provides comprehensive insight into workplace diversity and equality in BiH.

• Publisher: Emerald Group Publishing Limited
• Subject: Antidiscrimination / Compliance / Debates / Discrimination / Diversity in the workplace / Employment discrimination / Equality / Ethnic conflict / Ethnicity / Gender / Human resource management / Legislation / Literature / Mass media / Minority & ethnic groups / Minority groups / Multiculturalism & pluralism / Multinational corporations / Population / Research design / Research methodology / Sociodemographics / Transition economies / War / Workplace diversity / Workplaces