1. Important of equality and diversity in UAE.
Equality and diversity are two interrelated concepts. Equality in workplace means that all employees are treated equally without any kind discrimination and given the same opportunities despite of their age, gender, race and sex and diversity means that the organization actively welcomes employees belonging to various backgrounds and reflect this attitude in organization’s hiring policy and workplace culture.
In the context of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the emphasis on equality and diversity in the workplace is not only a reflection of global trends but also a crucial aspect of the nation’s socio-economic fabric. The UAE is characterized by a highly diverse population, with expatriates making up a significant portion of the workforce. This demographic reality necessitates a robust framework for promoting equality and diversity to ensure social cohesion and economic efficiency. The UAE’s Vision 2021, which outlines the country’s strategic development goals, includes a commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable society, underscoring the importance of these principles.
In UAE the concepts of diversity and equality are gaining a lot of attention because:
• It helps every organization of UAE to adopt flexible and adaptive corporate culture.
The adoption of a flexible and adaptive corporate culture is essential in today’s rapidly changing global economy. Organizations in the UAE that prioritize equality and diversity are better equipped to respond to market dynamics, technological advancements, and shifting consumer preferences. Theories such as the Resource-Based View (RBV) of the firm suggest that a diverse workforce can be a source of sustained competitive advantage, as it brings a variety of perspectives and problem-solving approaches that enhance innovation and adaptability.
• More the diversity and equality is within the organization more it become appealing for individuals.
Organizations that champion diversity and equality are often more attractive to potential employees, particularly in a competitive job market. This is supported by Social Identity Theory, which posits that individuals are drawn to environments where they feel their identities are recognized and valued. In the UAE, where the workforce is highly multicultural, organizations that reflect these values are likely to attract and retain top talent from around the world.
• Also maintenance of equality and diversity is important in UAE because half of the workforce in UAE belongs to foreign countries especially from Asia. Therefore equality and diversity in every UAE’s organization help them a lot to work efficiently with more opportunities despite of their age, gender, race and sex.
The UAE’s reliance on a diverse expatriate workforce highlights the need for inclusive practices that recognize and leverage the unique contributions of individuals from various backgrounds. According to Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions Theory, understanding and managing cultural differences is critical for effective teamwork and organizational performance. By fostering an inclusive environment, UAE organizations can enhance collaboration, reduce cultural misunderstandings, and maximize the potential of their diverse workforce.
• For the purpose of maintaining equality and diversity within every organization of UAE the process of conducting diversity and equality training programs is also increasing day by day.
Training programs focused on diversity and equality are essential for raising awareness and building the skills necessary to navigate and embrace workplace diversity. These programs often incorporate elements of Intercultural Competence Theory, which emphasizes the importance of understanding and effectively interacting with people from different cultural backgrounds. In the UAE, such training helps employees appreciate cultural nuances, reduce biases, and develop more inclusive attitudes and behaviors.
2. How would you can get benefit from apply roles of (Equality and diversity) in workplace.
There are many benefits associated with maintenance of equality and diversity in workplace as explained below:
• Diversity and equality within the organization let it to open to new ideas and new ways of thinking to get success.
Embracing diversity and equality fosters an environment where diverse ideas and perspectives can thrive, leading to greater innovation and problem-solving capabilities. The Creative Capital Theory suggests that a diverse workforce can drive creativity by bringing together different viewpoints and experiences. In the UAE, where the economy is transitioning towards a knowledge-based model, leveraging the creative potential of a diverse workforce is crucial for sustainable growth and competitiveness.
• It will help to attract large number of talented diverse workforce because the company’s job application remains open for everyone without any discrimination.
Open and inclusive hiring practices are essential for attracting a wide pool of talent. According to the Attraction-Selection-Attrition (ASA) Framework, organizations that promote equality and diversity are more likely to attract individuals who value these principles, leading to a more committed and cohesive workforce. In the UAE, where talent acquisition is a key priority for businesses, inclusive hiring practices can enhance the reputation and appeal of organizations.
• With the help of equality and diversity all the employees will feel empowered that they got hired in organization based solely on their ability.
When employees feel that they are evaluated and hired based on their skills and qualifications rather than discriminatory factors, it enhances their sense of empowerment and job satisfaction. This aligns with the principles of Equity Theory, which emphasizes the importance of fairness and justice in the workplace. In the UAE, fostering a sense of empowerment among employees can lead to higher levels of motivation, productivity, and organizational loyalty.
• By maintaining diversity and equality, the organization can see increase in creativity because employees belonging from different backgrounds are more able to approach project and problems in different ways.
The diversity of thought and perspective that comes from a diverse workforce can significantly enhance organizational creativity and innovation. The concept of Cognitive Diversity highlights how differences in problem-solving approaches and decision-making styles can lead to better outcomes. In the UAE, where innovation is a key driver of economic development, organizations that leverage cognitive diversity are better positioned to develop innovative solutions and maintain a competitive edge.
• Employing individuals from diverse cultures and maintaining equality among them means that organization get a lot of benefit from diverse language skills thus helping the organization to effectively sell its products and service not only in local market but also in international market with more value and customer support.
Diverse language skills and cultural knowledge are valuable assets for organizations operating in global markets. Theories such as Cultural Intelligence (CQ) emphasize the importance of understanding and adapting to different cultural contexts for effective communication and business operations. In the UAE, where many organizations engage in international trade and business, leveraging the linguistic and cultural competencies of a diverse workforce can enhance global market reach and customer satisfaction.
• By maintaining diversity and equality people feel happy, comfortable and valued in workplace with good ethical culture and it will automatically leads to reducing employee turnover cost.
A positive and inclusive workplace culture contributes to employee well-being and retention. According to Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory, factors such as recognition, respect, and fair treatment (hygiene factors) are critical for preventing dissatisfaction, while opportunities for growth and meaningful work (motivators) enhance job satisfaction. In the UAE, where retaining skilled employees is a strategic priority, fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment can reduce turnover and associated costs.
In conclusion, the importance of equality and diversity in the UAE cannot be overstated. These principles are integral to creating flexible, adaptive, and successful organizations that can attract and retain top talent, foster innovation, and compete effectively in global markets. The UAE’s diverse workforce, combined with a commitment to inclusive practices, positions the country to continue its trajectory of economic growth and social development.