It is estimated that, in the western economies, 90 per cent of those who are HIV positive may be in employment. Organizing AIDS tackles issues of increasing importance to organizations, and deals with the workplace implications of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Drawing on substantial primary research and secondary sources, the authors examine formal and informal employer and employee responses within Britain, Europe and USA. The chapters trace the patterns of organizational responses through the analysis of policy, practice and behaviour, and examine the ways in which these are shaped by interests of power rooted in economic and sexual divisions.
The authors consider the role of emotion and subjectivity in the construction of HIV/AIDS as an organizational issue, and the final chapters give a fascinating insight into the 'internal dynamics' of HIV/AIDS in the workplace, drawing on interviews conducted by the authors. The authors suggest that understanding and positive action is only possible through recognition of the complex interweaving of organizational and individual interests. Organizing AIDS provides important research findings for academics, and practical information for practitioners, human resources specialists and those affected directly or indirectly by the virus.