The Necessity for Leaders to be Inclusive and How They Manage Workplace Diversity: A Case Study of McDonald’s - Dublin.

Abstract

In recent years, there has been increased interest in the topic of diversity among large corporations across the globe. Some studies have focused on workplace diversity and inclusion, but research and literature concerning diversity management and inclusive leadership are still under development. The purpose of this study was to explore how leaders are managing a diverse workforce and to highlight the importance of being an inclusive leader. This study examined in detail the diversity management practices of a McDonald’s in Dublin, stressing the challenges faced by leaders and the positive benefits that a diverse workforce can bring to the organization. The researcher carried out semi-structured interviews with nine respondents from the management team in McDonalds in Dublin. The results demonstrated that the incorporation of LMX and Emotional Intelligence theory can be the key to managing diversity successfully. Other strategies are identified for McDonald’s to improve their procedures and practices.