The economic impact of diversity policies on company performance : the case of young graduates of foreign origin

If there is one segment of the population that is highly affected by discrimination in the recruitment process it is undoubtedly young people. The present study focuses specifically on the case of young French people from migrant backgrounds who, despite their higher education qualifications, find it extremely difficult to secure employment. Looking beyond the public policies that are currently based primarily on social and regional issues, a ‘Diversity Charter’ launched in 2004 demonstrated a desire on the part of certain companies to deal with the issue of discrimination based on origin. Those behind the charter believed that such diversity should be considered as much an asset to economic performance as a factor in social and societal policy.