An examination into the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on diversity and inclusion initiatives in the Irish pharmaceutical sector

Goggin, Nora (2022) An examination into the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on diversity and inclusion initiatives in the Irish pharmaceutical sector. Masters thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

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Abstract

This quantitative study focuses on the diversity and inclusion initiatives of employees in the Irish pharmaceutical sector in a post-pandemic environment. Using a 40-item questionnaire and secondary data from published surveys, this study determined that COVID-19 had a positive effect on diversity and inclusion practices to increase employees’ perceptions of inclusivity in the workplace. The “new normal” has changed how organisations can effectively attract and retain diverse talent. While flexible working models increased in popularity, there is a gap in research on their effect on D&I practices. Communication, employee well-being, performance, and innovation are key factors to consider with virtual working and inclusivity.

The main objective of this research is to assess the link between the perceptions of employees in terms of their organisation’s inclusivity, how D&I initiatives were influenced by the changing environment, and how inclusive leadership can mediate both factors. This study will highlight the benefits of effective communication to support diversity and inclusion practices and suggest approaches to combat the changing environment for sustainability.

This study used a range of parametric and nonparametric tests to find correlations between the perceptions of D&I, current D&I practices and inclusive leadership. There was a significant positive correlation between how employees perceive their organisation’s inclusivity and the availability of D&I initiatives. An argument on how important it is for leadership to promote inclusion and effective communication will be discussed. Moreover, research will be undertaken to determine if an inclusive leader promotes diversity in the workplace. These topics are the primary focus of this study because of a gap in current research on whether the crisis has affected minority populations and their ability to feel included in their organisations.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management > Human Resource Management > Diversity R Medicine > Healthcare Industry D History General and Old World > DA Great Britain > Ireland
Divisions:	School of Business > Master of Arts in Human Resource Management
Depositing User:	Clara Chan
Date Deposited:	18 Nov 2022 10:15
Last Modified:	18 Nov 2022 10:15
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/5871

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