The Importance of Gender Diversity in the Workplace: its usage and Perceived Success

by

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would take this opportunity to thank my research supervisor, family and friends for their support and guidance without which this research would not have been possible.

DECLARATION

I, [type your full first names and surname here], declare that the contents of this dissertation/thesis represent my own unaided work, and that the dissertation/thesis has not previously been submitted for academic examination towards any qualification. Furthermore, it represents my own opinions and not necessarily those of the University.

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ABSTRACT

This study explores the concept of diversity and explains the importance of gender diversity. Through questionnaire survey the research identifies people's opinion about gender diversity. It also highlights the benefits of gender diversity. Diversity in today's world has become an important technique in order to increase productivity and profitability of the organization. Gender diversity also leads towards enhanced performance, influx of creative ideas and improved corporate reputation.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTII

DECLARATIONIII

ABSTRACTIV

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION1

Background of the Problem1

Research Aim and Objectives2

Purpose of the Study2

Research Approach3

Research Questions3

Organization of Dissertation4

Scope and Limitations of the Dissertation4

Major Contributions of the Research5

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW6

The Concept of Workplace Diversity6

Gender Diversity-Inclusion Initiatives7

The Scholarly Discourse of Workplace Diversity8

Workplace Gender Diversity and Current Practices9

Importance of Workforce Gender Diversity10

Gender Diversity at Workplace11

Women's Multiple Roles13

Theories and Model14

Typology of Organizational Diversity14

The Trait Model15

CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH HYPOTHESES17

Research Hypothesis17

CHAPTER 4: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY18

Research Method18

Data Collection Instruments18

Questionnaire Survey18

Secondary Data18

Data Analysis19

Validity19

Ethical Considerations20

CHAPTER 4: RESULTS AND DISCUSSION21

Results21

Hypotheses Testing56

Discussion56

Importance of Gender Diversity in UK organisations56

Benefits of Gender Diversity for Organisations in UK59

CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION62

Managing Gender Diversity within Workforce62

Training63

Mentoring63

CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION64

BIBLIOGRAPHY65

APPENDIX71

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Background of the Problem

Diversity can be defined as, "a mix of people of different socially relevant group identities working or living together in a defined social system" (Cox & Beale, 1997, p.13). The arguments for creating healthy diverse workplaces have their origins in both pragmatic and ethical frameworks. Because of the dramatic changes within the American population, there has been a shift in the public market as well as in the workforce (Cox & Blake, 2001, 56). It is becoming increasingly crucial for organizations to adjust practices and policies in order to ensure that employee staffing remains stable and that the services offered meet the needs of the public. As more work is done across national boundaries the needs of whole communities have become more complicated, thus calling for cultural competency within the organizations that provide services to the community in order to understand and meet the needs of a diverse population.

The European society, and especially the workplace is becoming increasingly diverse in terms of gender, race/ethnicity, culture, national origin, sexual orientation, familial status, age, religion, attitudes, and beliefs. Workforce diversity has been defined by Hazard (2004) as differences in the workforce based on race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, and disability as well as lifestyle differences based on sexual orientation, marital status, education, appearance, and anything else that distinguishes one person from the other (Hazard, 2004, 28). Other researchers also agree with this notion that diversity should extend beyond race/ethnicity ...