Workplace Diversity and Organisational Performance of Public Universities in Rivers State

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between workplace diversity and organizational performance in public universities in Rivers State, Nigeria. The study focused on three key dimensions of diversity cultural, ethnic, and educational diversity and their relationships with academic performance, resource management, and global engagement, respectively. The study adopted a correlational survey research design, targeting six (6) principal officers from three public universities: University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State University, and Ignatius Ajuru University of Education. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection, and the reliability of the instrument was confirmed using Cronbach's Alpha, while face and content validity were ensured. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and the Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) with SPSS version 23. Findings revealed strong, positive, and statistically significant relationships between each form of diversity and its corresponding performance indicator. Cultural diversity was positively related to academic performance (r = 0.897, p < .01), ethnic diversity was positively related to resource management (r = 0.908, p < .01), and educational diversity was strongly correlated with global engagement (r = 0.925, p < .01). These results support the conclusion that diversity, when well-managed, is a strategic asset that enhances institutional performance. The study recommends that university management should adopt inclusive policies and practices to maximise the benefits of workplace diversity for improved organizational outcomes.