A systematic review of job-related diversity and future research directions

Abstract

PurposeJob-related diversity is significantly different from demographic diversity, referring to diverse skills, knowledge, and perspectives. Despite the significant relevance of diversity literature, researchers have paid relatively less attention to job-related diversity dimensions like functional, educational, and tenure diversity. This study aims to analyze the scattered job-related diversity literature and identify mediating, moderating, and outcome variables, including dominant theories, methodological practices, and statistical techniques that affect performance outcomes.Design/methodology/approachThis paper consolidates the job-related diversity literature and conducts a systematic review to fill the research gap. This study undertook a systematic review of 101 articles on job-related diversity published between 1991 and 2020 in academic management journals.FindingsThis study has synthesized several theoretical frameworks and proposed an integrative framework of job-related diversity for future research and theory development. Conclusively, this study has highlighted the gaps, advanced the knowledge in job-related diversity, and suggested future research avenues and implications.Originality/valueThis study is the first systematic review of job-related diversity, which acknowledges the importance of job-related diversity literature. Job-related diversity has received significant attention in the crisis-like situation during COVID-19 to develop innovative ideas and decision-making from different perspectives.