Workforce Diversity and Sustainability in the Context of NGOs

An Empirical Study in the North West Region of Cameroon

Abstract

Purpose: This article aims to analyze workforce diversity and how it affects the sustainability of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in the Bamenda Municipality of the North West Region of Cameroon. Workforce Diversity areas, such as disability inclusion diversity (the effect of having employees with disabilities in the workforce), age diversity (the effect of having a diverse age range of employees), and cultural diversity (having employees from different cultural backgrounds), are the focus of the study.

Methods: A total population of 60 registered NGOs in the Bamenda Municipality and a sample size of 52 were used, where one (01) staff member was selected from each NGO, and questionnaires were administered. The study employs a causal research design and convenience sampling. Results were analyzed using the Ordinary Least Squares technique.

Results: Disability inclusion diversity has a negative and insignificant effect on the sustainability of NGOs in Bamenda; age diversity has a positive and insignificant effect on the sustainability of NGOs in Bamenda; while cultural diversity has a negative and significant effect on the sustainability of NGOs in Bamenda.

Implications: This study shows the important role that diversity plays in organizations, especially in NGOS. It also shows that much remains to be done to ensure workforce diversity in NGOs and other organizations.