Workplace Diversity and Job Performance in Research Libraries: Evidence from Nigeria

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The job performance of library personnel is fundamental to achieving research institutes' mandates, as it promotes innovation, addresses societal challenges, and contributes to economic and industrial growth. However, research institutes in Nigeria face suboptimal performance due to deficiencies in declarative knowledge, procedural knowledge and skills. Extant literature indicates that workplace diversity can enhance Job Performance. However, there are limited studies that have examined the influence of workplace diversity on the job performance of library personnel in research institutes in South-West, Nigeria. This study, therefore, investigated the influence of workplace diversity on the job performance of library personnel in research institutes in South-West Nigeria. The study adopted a survey research design. The study population was drawn from 20 research institutes comprising 213 library personnel in South-West, Nigeria. Total enumeration was used for the study. A structured and validated questionnaire was used for data collection. Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficients for the constructs ranged from 0.83 to 0.92. The response rate was 86.9%. Data analysis involved the use of descriptive and inferential (simple and multiple regression) statistics at 5% significance level. The findings showed that indicators of workplace diversity (Adj.R² = 0.16, F(4, 180) = 9.68, p < 0.05) significantly influenced job performance. The study concluded that workplace diversity enhanced job performance in research institutes in South-West, Nigeria. The study recommends that management of research institutes should strengthen workplace diversity practices by integrating diversity into organisational strategy and implementing measures that enhance teamwork, innovation, and performance.