Decoding the Role of Diversity Management in boosting Employee Engagement

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.