GENDER, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSIVE LEADERSHIP AS DRIVERS IN ORGANISATIONAL PERFORMANCE: EVIDENCE FROM THE REGISTRARS GENERAL DEPARTMENT IN GHANA

Abstract

This study examines the influence of gender diversity and inclusive leadership on organizational performance within the Registrar General’s Department (RGD) in Ghana. Using a quantitative, cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 132 employees through structured questionnaires. The findings reveal that while gender diversity alone has a positive but statistically insignificant effect on performance, inclusive leadership demonstrates a strong, significant positive impact. Furthermore, inclusive leadership negatively moderates the relationship between gender diversity and performance, suggesting that in highly inclusive environments, the independent contribution of gender diversity diminishes. The results underscore the critical role of inclusive leadership characterized by openness, fairness, and participative decision-making in enhancing organizational outcomes. The study concludes that for public sector institutions like the RGD, leadership development focused on inclusivity is more impactful than diversity initiatives alone in driving performance, offering important implications for policy and practice in Ghana’s public sector.