The Impact of Diversity on Company Performance

Abstract: Research Question: How has diversity impacted performance in the Asian, European and American divisions of Education First? Methodology: A qualitative case study using an abductive approach, aiming to detect how national corporate diversity impacts performance. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 senior managers of Education First, providing empirical findings that were triangulated with the literature review and theoretical framework in the data analysis. Theoretical Problem: The thesis aims to understand how national diversity impacts performance in the case of Education First on an international scale. Earlier studies indicate a research gap regarding the effect on performance of having different employee nationalities in one company with global operations and offices. Empirical Foundation: The empirical findings are supported by existing research, presented in the literature review, and relevant theories, including New Institutional Theory, Information Processing Theory and Social Identity Theory, outlined in the theoretical framework. Conclusion: The study demonstrates that national diversity at Education First has resulted in more positive than negative performance outcomes, while particularly emphasizing the complexities of the topic. The complex nature of performance finds significance in diversity management, enabling benefits while mitigating challenges, and external factors, such as contextual nuances.