WORKPLACE DIVERSITY AND TEAM PERFORMANCE AMONG ACADEMIC STAFF OF THE UNIVERSITY OF BENIN

This study examines the relationship between workplace diversity and team performance among academic staff of the University of Benin. Workplace diversity, which encompasses differences in gender, age, ethnicity, academic discipline, and professional experience, has become a key factor influencing organizational effectiveness in higher education institutions. The research investigates how these diverse attributes shape collaboration, communication, and productivity within academic teams. Using a descriptive survey design, data will be collected from academic staff across faculties to assess perceptions of diversity and its impact on teamwork outcomes such as innovation, decision-making quality, conflict management, and overall performance. The findings are
expected to reveal whether diversity enhances or constrains team effectiveness in the university context, providing insights into the role of inclusivity in fostering academic excellence. The study contributes to the understanding of diversity management in Nigerian universities and offers practical recommendations for creating an inclusive work environment that maximizes the strengths of diverse academic teams.