Diversity Management Practices and Inclusive Work Environment: A Study of Employees Working in Banking and IT Sectors

Abstract

Diversity management practices are deliberate tactics, guidelines and programs that organizations implement to successfully manage employee diversity and foster inclusive work environments. Inclusive work environment is essential for developing diversity and equality at workplace where employees of different gender, age, race and backgrounds feel valued and respected. In order to better understand how diversity management practices, affect inclusive work climate, this study aims to find association between diversity management practices and inclusive work environment for employees working in IT and banking sectors. Respondents were chosen by convenience sampling and the instrument used for data collection was the questionnaire. The survey was methodical in nature asking participants to select the option that best reflected their response to each of the questions on a 5-point Likert scale. 241 completed questionnaires out of the 350 that were distributed were returned by respondents and included for data analysis. We used PLS-SEM and SPS for the data analysis. The hypothesis was accepted and significant positive association was found between diversity management practices and inclusive work environment. Trainings for enhancing awareness about diversity are essential for fostering an inclusive work environment that will promote equal employment opportunities, career growth and developmental opportunities and recognition and appreciation for employees of different gender, age and backgrounds.