Workplace diversity and innovation capacity in Ecuadorian mass consumption companies
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Abstract
In Ecuador, the inclusion of a diverse workforce is mandatory by agreement of the Ministry of Labor. Although initially companies made it a mandatory task, there is now theoretical and practical evidence that the integration of heterogeneous groups provides multiple perspectives and facilitates innovative solutions. However, other studies warn that labor diversity must be properly managed because it is possible to generate a counterproductive effect, transforming differences into sources of conflict rather than opportunities for innovation. Using descriptive statistics and factor analysis, we sought to identify the influence of labor diversity on the innovation capacity of two mass consumption companies located in the industrial sector of the city of Quito. With the demographic data collected, it was identified that the greatest diversity present in both companies is the diversity of work experience. Additionally, it was identified that in both companies, age and gender diversity had the greatest influence on innovation capacity. This study demonstrated the importance of policies that promote diversity not only as compliance with regulations, but also as a strategy to boost innovation and competitiveness in the industrial sector.
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