Workforce Diversity and Employee Performance of Selected Banks in Cape Coast: The Role of Job Satisfaction

Abstract

The study examined the effect of workforce diversity on employee performance in selected banks in Cape Coast through the mediating role of job satisfaction. The specific objectives were to determine the effect of age diversity on employee performance. Also, to analyse the effect of gender diversity on employee performance. Again, to examine the effect of ethnic diversity on employee performance and lastly to investigate the mediating role of job satisfaction of the relationship between workforce diversity and employee performance of selected banks in Cape Coast. The study adopted the positivism philosophy. The quantitative approach and correlational design were used for the study. A structured questionnaire was used to gather data from 140 bank employees through census approach in Cape Coast. The data was then processed using the IBM SPSS Statistics (version 26) and SmartPLS 4 software. inferential statistics through partial least square structural equation modelling was used to address objectives in the study. The study found that work force diversity in terms of gender and ethnicity have significant positive influence on employee performance of the banks. However, age diversity did not have a significant effect on employee performance. The study further found that job satisfaction mediates the link between gender diversity and ethnic diversity, and employee performance but not age diversity. The study recommended that banks should prioritize initiatives that promote gender and ethnic diversity within their workforce. This includes actively recruiting and retaining a diverse talent pool, providing equal opportunities for career advancement, and implementing leadership and mentorship programs that support underrepresented groups.