Diversity and equality in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Limits to legislation, public debate and workplace practices.

Purpose: The 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/approach: The paper draws on a synopsis of the legislative framework, existing literature, public media and personal communications with human resource (HR) practitioners. Findings: There 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/implications: Due 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 implications: Firms 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/value: This is the first paper in the management literature that provides comprehensive insight into workplace diversity and equality in BiH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]