Best Practice in Managing Diverse Employees. Lived Experiences At The Zimbabwe Open University

Abstract

This paper identifies best practices in employee diversity management. Data was generated through face to face structured interviews with core managers in human resources and administration as well by an analysis of documentary information from University records. The findings reveal a significant gap between international best practice in managing employee diversity and practices in the (Open and Distance Learning ODL) institution. The study also revealed some barriers in implementing employee diversity programs. The study recommends that the human resources department should have a written employee diversity policy which will be a guideline in developing diversity programs in the ODL institution. The Zimbabwe Open University should also introduce employee diversity training workshops. The research further recommends that management should craft clear communication strategies that address organisational barriers that militate against the effective implementation of employee diversity programs.