Social Sciences, Humanities and Education Journal (SHE Journal)
Vol 5, No 1 (2024)

Diversity and Inclusion in the Nigerian Work Environment: Opportunities and Challenges

NWAKANMA, Chinegbonkpa Hope (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
13 Feb 2024

Abstract

The Nigerian work environment reflects the nation's kaleidoscope of cultures, ethnicities, languages, and religions. However, the importance of leveraging this robust diversity and achieving an inclusive workplace is rarely researched. Using the thematic literature review method, this paper explores the complex diversity and inclusion landscape in the Nigerian work environment, focusing on the opportunities it offers for growth, the challenges to overcome to harness these opportunities and the policies for addressing the issues of diversity and inclusion. Findings revealed that diversity and inclusion attract top talent, enhance innovation, corporate performance, and decision-making, and reduce biases, stereotypes, and employee attrition. It also revealed complex challenges, including change resistance, hidden biases, and communication barriers. Organisations can navigate these challenges by employing diversity training, inclusive leadership, equal opportunity, and general language policies. A contradiction was also revealed between the country’s ability to utilise its diverse potential and what is being achieved resulting from a low level of equity and inclusion in the Nigerian workplace and inadequate institutional and governmental structure to address the issues of inequality and discrimination. It is, therefore, imperative to formulate policies with broader coverage, expand existing ones and strengthen enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance from both organisations and individuals. Keywords: Diversity, inclusive workplace, inequality, discrimination, Nigerian Work environment

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Journal Info

Abbrev

SHE

Publisher

Subject

Humanities Education Environmental Science Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Social Sciences

Description

Aim SHE Journal aims to promote interdisciplinary studies in social sciences, Humanities and Education and become the leading journal in social science, Humanities and Education in the world. Scope The scope of the journal includes but not limited to: Anthropology Archaeology Criminology Business ...