Title: Diversity and Inclusion in Global Project Teams: Impact on Delivery Success
Authors: Efosa Brown Amayo, Olumide Akindele Owulade, Lawani Raymond Isi
Volume: 9
Issue: 3
Pages: 81-95
Publication Date: 2025/03/28
Abstract:
This paper examines the impact of diversity and inclusion (D&I) in global project teams, with a focus on how these practices influence project delivery success. As multinational projects become increasingly complex and geographically dispersed, understanding the role of diverse teams has become crucial to achieving optimal performance and innovative outcomes. The paper distinguishes between diversity-representing the presence of differences-and inclusion, which refers to the active engagement and appreciation of those differences. It explores various forms of diversity, including cultural, gender, cognitive, and functional, and discusses how these contribute to team dynamics, decision-making, and problem-solving in a global project context. The theoretical foundations of D&I are explored through key frameworks such as Social Identity Theory, Team Cognition Theory, and the Resource-Based View, which underscore the importance of D&I in enhancing team collaboration, creativity, and performance. The research identifies several advantages of diverse teams, including improved risk mitigation, enhanced communication, and better stakeholder engagement, which contribute to successful project delivery outcomes. Furthermore, the paper highlights the challenges of implementing D&I in global teams, such as cultural barriers, resistance to D&I practices, and biases that can impede team effectiveness. Drawing on these insights, the paper provides practical recommendations for organizations to enhance D&I in their global project teams. These include policies promoting diverse hiring practices, leadership development, conflict resolution, and inclusive decision-making. The paper concludes by emphasizing the strategic importance of D&I for global organizations and offers directions for future research, particularly regarding the evolving dynamics of remote work and digital transformation. Overall, fostering diversity and inclusion is not only a moral imperative but also a critical success factor in the management of complex multinational projects.