Abstract:
Diversity management of the workforce has become a critical component of
improving employee performance in today's complex and multicultural healthcare
environment. At the Regional Directorate of Health Services (RDHS), Ampara, Sri
Lanka, this study investigates the relationship between employee performance and
important diversity management practices, including communication, fair
performance appraisal, diversity training, and leaders' commitment. Managing a
diverse workforce is essential for providing high-quality patient care since human
contact and cultural sensitivity have a significant impact on the effectiveness of the
healthcare sector. Eighty-five employees chosen by stratified random sampling were
given a structured questionnaire as part of a quantitative, descriptive-correlational
study design. The data was assessed using descriptive statistics and Pearson's
correlation analysis. Employee performance and the independent variables were
found to have strong and statistically significant positive correlations. Leaders'
commitment (r = 0.813) and fair performance appraisal (r = 0.808) showed very high
correlations, while communication (r = 0.510) and diversity training (r = 0.691)
showed moderate and high correlations, respectively. According to the study's
findings, good diversity management techniques greatly improve worker
performance and engagement. Implementing leadership development programs,
ongoing diversity training, conducting culturally sensitive performance reviews, and
bolstering internal communication tactics are some of the recommendations made in
light of the findings. The study adds to the shortage of empirical research on diversity
management in Sri Lanka's healthcare industry and offers useful suggestions for
legislators and HR professionals. In order to improve generalizability, further
research is urged to investigate other diversity dimensions like hiring, promotion, and
decision-making. Additionally, the study should be replicated in other government
sectors or larger geographic areas.
