Diversity Management and Employee Performance of Selected Deposit Money Banks in Delta State, Nigeria

This study examined the effect of diversity management on employee performance in deposit money banks located in Delta State, Nigeria. The research investigated four diversity management measures: inclusive recruitment and hiring practices, diversity training and awareness programmes, leadership commitment and inclusive culture, and equal pay and career advancement opportunities. A quantitative correlational research design was adopted. From a population of approximately 1,500 employees across 15 banks, a sample of 316 respondents was determined using Taro Yamane’s formula. Data were analyzed using multiple regression to establish the effect of diversity management on employee performance. The findings revealed that all the four measures significantly and positively influence performance. Inclusive recruitment and hiring practices emerged as the strongest predictor (β = 0.475, p < 0.05), showing that inclusive hiring enhances workforce diversity, stimulates innovation, and improves engagement. Leadership commitment and inclusive culture followed (β = 0.309, p < 0.05), highlighting that leadership commitment and a strong culture of inclusivity build belonging and motivation. Diversity training and awareness programmes (β = 0.225, p < 0.05) was also effective, as training reduced biases and promoted cooperation among employees. Equal pay and career advancement opportunities (β = 0.123, p < 0.05), though the least influential, was still significant in enhancing employee performance. The study concluded that diversity management has a substantial impact on employee performance in Nigerian banks. It recommended that banks adopt merit-based yet inclusive recruitment to attract and retain diverse talents, invest in continuous diversity training, and ensure leadership demonstrates strong commitment to inclusivity. Equal pay and career progression policies should also be reinforced to maintain fairness and satisfaction. Overall, this study provides empirical evidence on the value of diversity management in Nigeria’s banking sector and offers practical recommendations for strengthening diversity-sensitive policies to boost performance and productivity.