Disability and Workplace Inclusiveness; Regulatory and Structural Experiences from Developing Economies: A Case of Selected Organizations in Kampala Metropolitan, Uganda

Abstract

Creating an inclusive workplace for all potential and current workers has for some time been a matter of concern to management scholars and practitioners. There exists substantial evidence that stakeholders have been making efforts to create inclusive workplaces aimed at enabling PWDs to access, stay and perform. This study interrogated such efforts, and the lived experiences of PWDs in the workplace. The main questions were: Are the PWDs enabled to physically access the workplace? Are PWDs provided with tailored facilities that enable them to work? Are they provided with support services? This study utilised a multiple case study design that provided for both comparing and substantiating emerging content and themes. The preferred in-depth interviews from 16 participants and document reviews enriched the empirical study. The findings showed that implementation of the regulations and structures was piecemeal, and also inadequately focused on a few types of disabilities. Discrimination still exists, with employers considering employing PWDs as being costly to the organisation. We recommend that more efforts, especially with regard to enforcement or provision of incentives to employers, is prioritised. Furthermore, government needs to update and sensitise the public about the different forms of disability, especially the hidden ones. Keywords: Disability, Workplace, Inclusiveness