Diversity and Equality Management System (DEMS): A Narrative Review and Future Research Directions

Abstract

Diversity and equality management system is a primary concern for many organizations, due to increased globalization resulting in diverse demographics in the workplace, and changes in organizational structures. Today’s organizations need to create an inclusive climate where diversity is valued and provide a voice to a diverse human capital pool. Bundling of diversity management practice has been recognized as a diversity and equality management system (DEMS) that helps the firm to create an inclusive climate for diversity. Implementing DEM system signals to employees that the firm value diversity and provide fair treatment and inclusion to its diverse workforce. Many empirical studies have been conducted in this area; still, there is no common consensus on the composition of an effective DEM system (DEMS). This study provides a narrative review of DEM system to understand what constitute an effective DEM system and how it affects organizational performance. Besides giving insight into DEM system, the purpose of this paper is to provide research gaps and directions for future research.