Impact of Diversity and Inclusion on Employee Productivity and Organisational Commitment at Westfaliafruit Farms

Abstract

This Study examined the impact of Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) programmes on worker productivity at Westfalia Fruit Farms in Limpopo, South Africa, with organisational commitment as a mediating variable. The research design for this study was a quantitative correlational one based on Social Exchange Theory, Organisational Support Theory, and the Three-Component Model of Organisational Commitment, which consists of affective, continuance, and normative commitment. Data were collected from 146 workers using structured questionnaires and analysed using correlation and regression analyses, as well as mediation analyses of D&I activities, organisational commitment, and employee productivity. The findings revealed that D&I initiatives have a significant positive effect on employee productivity. Moreover, D&I initiatives positively affected all three components of organisational commitment, with affective commitment demonstrating the strongest effect. Organisational commitment was similarly significantly related to employee productivity, partially mediating the relationship between D&I initiatives and employee productivity. In conclusion, D&I interventions can positively influence employee productivity, both directly and indirectly, by building organisational commitment. These results emphasise the vital role of having inclusive workplace practices, supportive leadership, and workforce development in boosting workforce performance. Moreover, the study adds to the paucity of information on Diversity and Inclusion in agriculture and provides useful lessons for the management of diverse rural staff in South Africa. Keywords: Diversity and Inclusion, Organisational Commitment, Employee Productivity, A