Workplace Diversity Dimensions and Employee Productivity in a Philippine State University and College (SUC): A Correlational Analysis

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between workplace diversity and employee productivity at Abra State Institute of Sciences and Technology (ASIST), focusing on the perceived impact of workplace diversity across gender, age, educational background, and work experience. It also described the demographic profile along gender, age, educational attainment and work experience; while it measured the level of employee productivity among ASIST personnel.
A descriptive-correlational research design was employed involving 244 permanent teaching and non-teaching personnel from the ASIST main campus and La Paz extension. Data were collected using a validated and reliable questionnaire adopted from the studies of Elsaid (2012) and Jayawardana (2019). The data were analyzed using frequency and percentage, weighted mean, and Pearson r.
Findings showed that ASIST has a diverse workforce across all four dimensions. Respondents perceived a very high extent of gender, age, and work experience diversity and a high extent of educational background diversity, indicating that diversity practices are positively experienced within the institution. Among the four dimensions, work experience obtained the highest mean, demonstrating its strong contribution to employee effectiveness and productivity. Employees also reported a high level of productivity, reflecting that inclusive workplace practices contribute to effective work performance and collaboration. A positive strong relationship between workplace diversity and employee productivity was found, as evident by the value of r=0.61, with the computed p-value of 0.00 which shows that the relationship is significant.
Based on the findings, a Workplace Diversity Framework is proposed. Workplace Diversity acts as a valuable institutional resource that improves productivity. A diverse workforce when positively experienced by employees, contributes to improved work performance and organizational results. Thus, institutions are encouraged to strengthen inclusive policies and sustain diversity programs to enhance performance outcomes.