There is increasing evidence around the world of a heightened response by business to the spread of HIV/AIDS. Businesses are recognising the impact that the virus is having in terms of the human, financial and social costs to its operations and host communities. Even in countries where the virus has a low prevalence level, early action is essential to avoid serious impacts on economic activity and future markets. The response has manifested itself in many different ways, from action to protect workforces, to community outreach and philanthropy. Moreover, these efforts have not been undertaken.

It is estimated that 90% of those who are HIV positive are in employment. However, the significant body of literature into HIV/AIDS to date has primarily focused on the medical aspects of the disease and its implications for health/social policy. There has been little analysis of the employment implications of HIV/AIDS, and what does exist is essentially descriptive and usually limited to legal features of the employment relationship. This text provides a review of the theoretical and practical issues which bear upon organisational responses to HIV/AIDS. The authors set these responses in a historical and international context, before analysing recent research findings. In the first three chapters, issues are explored through an analysis which highlights international convergences and divergences. The remaining chapters draw on the authors' research to explore the "internal" dynamics of HIV/AIDS in the workplace.

Presents results and analysis from a global survey of transnational corporations' responses to the HIV/AIDS pandemic, as well as 3 surveys of large corporations in Brazil, the Philippines and South Africa, and case studies of selected corporations.