Commitment to Gender Diversity Management: Satisfaction Levels in Ethiopian Public Higher Education Institutions

Abstract

Diversity management, specifically gender diversity management (GDM), has increasingly emerged as a strategic priority. However, empirical research on the levels of commitment and satisfaction regarding GDM in Ethiopian public higher education institutions (HEIs) remains scarce or non-existent. This study aimed to empirically assess the commitment to and satisfaction with GDM in Ethiopian public HEIs, while also providing recommendations for improvements and insights to guide effective GDM practices. Employing a mixed-methods approach with a convergent parallel design, the study collected data from 34 respondents, including vice presidents, student deans, instructors, gender office heads and students, through semi-structured interviews. Additionally, 395 regular undergraduate students completed questionnaires. Observational methods and document analysis were also conducted. The results revealed a significant lack of commitment to and satisfaction with GDM among the selected Ethiopian HEIs, which could adversely impact the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 5, focused on gender equality. Furthermore, this research contributes valuable new insights into the dynamics of commitment and satisfaction related to GDM. It is the first study of its kind to explore these issues within the specific context of Ethiopian public HEIs, highlighting the necessity for these institutions to foster greater commitment and satisfaction in GDM practices to promote diversity and inclusion effectively.