MANAGING DIVERSITY AT WORKPLACE: A REVIEW OF LITERATURE AND RESEARCH AGENDA

Abstract

Due to the growing mobility and interface between people from different backgrounds, a number of organisations are now under some pressure to embrace workplace diversity. It is on this basis that the overall objective of this study is to critically review the fundamentals of diversity management in the workplace. Methodologically, extant literature was reviewed on the concept of diversity and workforce diversity as well as explaining the different dimensions of diversity. Also, the major theories of diversity management such as human capital theory and social identity theory were discussed. The study found that some of the challenges in managing diversity in the workplace include leadership style, rising cost of training, resistance to change, and harmonizing profession with family life, amongst others. It is therefore recommended that programmes that will promote effective diversity management in the workplace should be championed, supported and adequately funded by the top management