CHALLENGES TO MANAGING DIVERSITY IN THE WORKPLACE. A STUDY OF ALEX EKWUEME FEDERAL UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL ABAKALIKI (AE-FUTHA)

Abstract

This study investigated the challenges associated with managing diversity in the workplace, with specific focus on Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (AE-FUTHA). The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between organizational culture, communication barriers, employee resistance on the one hand, and effective diversity management on the other. The study employed a descriptive survey design and relied solely on primary data collected through structured questionnaire administered to a stratified random sample of employees. A total of 370 copies of questionnaire were distributed, and 363 were returned valid, yielding a 98% response rate. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple regression to determine the strength and significance of the relationships among the variables. The findings revealed that there is no statistically significant relationship between organizational culture and diversity management (p = 0.339), and no significant relationship between employee resistance and diversity management (p = 0.843). However, the study found a weak but statistically significant negative relationship between communication barriers and effective diversity management (r = -0.152, p = 0.004), suggesting that communication challenges undermine diversity efforts at AE-FUTHA. The study aligns with existing literature which identifies communication barriers as a major hindrance to diversity management. The research concludes that while AE-FUTHA demonstrates an inclusive organizational culture and has mechanisms to handle resistance, communication remains a persistent challenge. It recommends the implementation of communication training programs, enhancement of internal dialogue among diverse groups, periodic evaluation of diversity policies, and leadership support to mitigate communication-related issues and promote a more inclusive workplace culture.