Final answer:
Affirmative action is defined as compensatory action to overcome the consequences of past discrimination. It is a set of procedures designed to eliminate discrimination, remedy past discrimination, and promote diversity in hiring and promotion.
Step-by-step explanation:
Affirmative action is defined as compensatory action to overcome the consequences of past discrimination. It is a set of procedures designed to eliminate unlawful discrimination between applicants, remedy the results of such prior discrimination, and prevent such discrimination in the future. Affirmative action was implemented by government agencies and private companies as a way to actively recruit minority candidates and promote diversity in hiring and promotion. It aims to address historic patterns of discrimination and ensure equal opportunities for underrepresented groups.