The impact of diversity management on innovative work behavior: the mediating role of employee engagement in an emerging economy

Abstract

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This study explored how diversity management fuels innovative employee behavior in the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) emerging economy. Surveying 120 individuals from various service organizations, the research found a strong connection between diversity initiatives, and employee engagement, ultimately leading to more innovative practices. Diversity management directly impacts employee engagement, which in turn significantly influence innovative work behaviors. Interestingly, employee engagement fully mediates the relationship between diversity and innovation. These findings highlight the crucial role of diversity management in fostering a culture of innovation. Organizations can leverage this by investing in training by equipping employees with skills to effectively engage across diverse teams as well as promoting inclusivity through cultivating a work environment that values and respects differences, fostering open communication and collaboration. By implementing these recommendations, organizations can harness the power of diverse perspectives to drive innovation and gain a competitive edge.

Keywords

• diversity management
• innovative work behavior
• employee engagement
• social exchange theory
• UAE
• innovation