Cultural Diversity in Saudi Universities: The Viewpoint of Academic Leaders at Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University

(Suha Alsamei)

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Abstract

Multiculturalism is the existence of various groups, taking gender, nationality, age, religion, and experience into account. This study aimed to identify academic leadership approaches towards the cultural diversity of human resources in Princess Nourah Bint Abdul Rahman University, the most significant characteristics of cultural diversity management of human resources, and the most important challenges facing diversity management. The researcher used the descriptive survey method and distributed a questionnaire to the sample study community comprising 81 of the university’s academic leaders. The study concluded that the approaches of the university’s academic leaders were positive and fostered cultural diversity. It also referred to many benefits to the university from the cultural diversity management of its human resources, including its performance, attraction of highly efficient human resources, and productivity. The study concluded that the shortage of awareness programs, inadequacy of employee recognition for the value of cultural diversity, absence of an effective mechanism to measure its level, and weakness of communication skills are challenges to cultural diversity management. Therefore, the study recommended adopting a strategy to manage and use cultural diversity and the importance of academic leaders' role in using these individual differences.

KEYWORDS
Academic leadership approaches, cultural diversity management, individual differences

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References

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