Abstract:
South African businesses are faced with the immense challenge of transforming themselves so as to reflect post-apartheid South Africa, while at the same time remaining competitive within a globalised market. This research project set out to establish how organisations could effectively channel the potential of an increasingly diverse workforce to derive positive outcomes for the individual and the organisation. To this end, the organisational approach to diversity and its ability to influence the extent of knowledge transfer has been examined.In fully exploring this relationship, four research propositions were developed. A quantitative approach in the form of a survey was utilised to ascertain the perceptions of employees within the banking sector in South Africa. The qualitative phase of the research entailed in-depth interviews with subject matter experts within the industry. This was primarily used to corroborate the survey responses, and to document original thought within the scope of this research. The data obtained through these research instruments was analysed to ascertain the strength of the diversity climate and knowledge transfer as business enablers.The results revealed that a positive diversity climate yields greater levels of knowledge sharing, which consequently results in positive career outcomes for the employee. These factors in aggregate produce both tangible and intangible benefits for the organisation. A conceptual framework has been proposed that depicts the key linkages established through the research findings.
