Employee Performance among Staff of Selected Universities

This study examined the effect of workplace diversity on employee performance in selected universities in Edo State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to assess the impact of ethnic diversity, gender diversity, age diversity, educational diversity, and religious diversity on different dimensions of employee performance, including work quality, teamwork quality, productivity level, innovation, and engagement. A survey research design was employed, and data were collected from three hundred and seventy one (371) employees across selected universities in Edo State. Regression analysis revealed that while ethnic diversity, gender diversity, and age diversity do not have a significant impact on employee performance dimensions, educational and religious diversity had a strong and significant positive influence on employee performance, suggesting that an inclusive and accommodating work environment enhances overall institutional outcomes. The study concluded that while certain diversity dimensions, such as ethnicity, gender, and age, may not directly impact employee performance, educational and religious diversity play crucial roles in fostering productivity, innovation, and engagement. The study recommended that institutions should invest in diversity management strategies, particularly in promoting educational diversity and religious inclusivity, to optimise employee performance and institutional effectiveness.