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Prospects and Challenges of Workplace Diversity in Modern Day Organizations: A Critical Review

Author

Listed:
  • Cletus Helen Eboh

    (Asia Graduate School of Business, Unitar International University, Selangor D.E., Malaysia)

  • Mahmood Nor Asiah

    (Asia Graduate School of Business, Unitar International University, Selangor D.E., Malaysia)

  • Umar Abubakar

    (Malaysian Institute of Human Resource Management, Selangor D.E., Malaysia)

  • Ibrahim Ahmed Doko

    (Department of Quantity Surveying, Ahmadu Bello University, Kaduna State, Nigeria)

Abstract

Workplace diversity (WPD) is a holistic concept that denotes the differences that exist between people working within an organisation. It describes the complex physical, sociological or psychological attributes such as gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religious or political beliefs that define an individual or group. Therefore, WPD transcends the recruitment, representation or preferential treatment of people within an organisation. The complexity of WPD has become one of the most challenging issues currently of critical importance in business and organisational management. Therefore, the paper presents the critical issues currently impacting on WPD in modern day organisations. It identified and highlighted the various prospects and challenges of WPD. The results revealed that diversity in the workplace enhances the critical thinking, problem-solving, and employee professional skills. Furthermore, it enables organisations to attract talent, improve corporate attractiveness, productivity. However, it is currently hampered by the hostility, disrespect and discrimination people with diverse background encounter in the workplace. Such behavioural attitudes as ascribed to prejudices and biases towards people with varied lifestyle choices, ethnic and cultural differences, disabilities, and generational gaps. These factors can stifle morale, teamwork, profitability and the attractiveness of the organisation. Consequently, modern day organisations need to address the causes of these issues to exploit the benefits of WPD. These can be addressed strategies that foster an empowerment culture, build communication and team spirit with organisations. These efforts will promote acceptance, productivity, and profits in future organisations.

Suggested Citation

  • Cletus Helen Eboh & Mahmood Nor Asiah & Umar Abubakar & Ibrahim Ahmed Doko, 2018. "Prospects and Challenges of Workplace Diversity in Modern Day Organizations: A Critical Review," HOLISTICA – Journal of Business and Public Administration, Sciendo, vol. 9(2), pages 35-52, August.
  • Handle: RePEc:vrs:hjobpa:v:9:y:2018:i:2:p:35-52:n:3
    DOI: 10.2478/hjbpa-2018-0011
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Ash Amin, 2002. "Ethnicity and the Multicultural City: Living with Diversity," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 34(6), pages 959-980, June.
    3. Nor Asiah Mahmood & Jegak Uli & Shazreen Mohd Shah, 2017. "Gender and Job Category as Moderator Effects on Relationship between Human Capital and Quality of Life (QOL)," International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, Human Resource Management Academic Research Society, International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, vol. 7(7), pages 491-505, July.
    4. Harold Andrew Patrick & Vincent Raj Kumar, 2012. "Managing Workplace Diversity," SAGE Open, , vol. 2(2), pages 21582440124, April.
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    Cited by:

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Workplace; Diversity; Organizations; Demography; Personal Differences;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J08 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - General - - - Labor Economics Policies

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