Effect of Workplace Diversity on Competitiveness of Selected Private Universities in Ogun State, Nigeria

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Organisational competitiveness is critical to any institution that has quest for growth and remains sustained. Most organisations especially the universities are under intense competition which has challenged them to be positioning their focus on features that enhance the effectiveness of their institutions such as ability to motivate their staff in various ways that will place them in competitive advantage over their rivals. Despite the stiff competition, some Universities pay less attention towards workplace diversity which may lead to low competitiveness and consequently poor performance. This study investigates the effect of workplace diversity on competitiveness of selected universities in Ogun State, Nigeria.The study adopted survey research design. The population of study was 797 non-academic staff of five selected private Universities in Ogun State, Nigeria. The sample size of 475 was determined using research advisor table. Simple random sampling technique was used in selecting respondents. A structured and validated questionnaire was used for data collection with Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficient for the constructs that ranged between 0.716 and 0.837. The response rate was 73%. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential (multiple Regression) statistics. The study found that workplace diversity has significant effect on competitiveness (Adj.R2 = 0.257, F (5, 341) = 24.988, p< 0.05), The study concluded that workplace diversity has significant effect on competitiveness of selected private Universities in Ogun State, Nigeria. The Overall findings of the study indicated that workplace diversity dimensions of age, gender, ethnicity, personality and attitude were the treasures of competitiveness in selected privates Universities in Nigeria. Universities should leverage on the positive effect of workplace diversity on competitiveness and aim to create diverse teams that bring together individuals with different skills, backgrounds, and perspectives. Organisations should also embrace diversity in teams, and benefit from a wider range of insights and approaches, leading to more comprehensive and effective problem-solving and decision-making. Additionally, diversity training programs can be implemented to increase awareness and appreciation of different perspectives and cultures.