Workforce Diversity and Organizational Performance in Higher Education Institutions: Evidence from IBB University, Lapai

Abstract

This research explored how having a diverse workforce affected worker performance at Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai. The study particularly aimed to investigate how gender diversity, age diversity, ethnic diversity and educational background diversity impacts performance. The university staff members had a total population of the study equal to 1450. A total of 345 respondents became the sample that was determined using Yamane’s formula and stratified random sampling. This was to ensure that both academic and non-academic staffs were represented.  The research utilized a survey design, and the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation, and multiple regression analysis. The study outcome shows that gender diversity, ethnics’ diversity, and education background diversity positively and significantly affect employee performance. This indicates that gender diversity, ethnic diversity and educational background diversity lead to more creativity and more productivity. However, functional diversity based on age does not lead to a significant increase in performance in University. Workforce diversity is a fundamental driver of institutional performance when properly managed. The management is advised to sustain their endeavor to endorse gender equality, ethnic diversity, educational diversity, and mentorship programs, and further optimize age diversity with a view to attaining utmost performance