Diversity management in an online setting: Evolving leadership approaches

This chapter provides a detailed analysis of leadership practices in managing employee diversity within the context of increasingly technologically advanced work environments. It highlights the necessity for evolving approaches in leadership for diversity management to effectively tackle both the opportunities and challenges presented by online work modes. Drawing from a range of scholarly works, this chapter synthesizes the concepts of employee diversity, leadership, and online work. It presents insights for understanding the complexities for leaders of meeting the needs and integrating the perspectives of an online diverse workforce. The chapter delves into how leaders through technological advancements such as virtual communication and online meetings, despite their inherent challenges, can foster unique avenues for the articulation of diverse opinions and the matching of specific skills with corresponding tasks. It emphasizes the importance of organization leaders adapting to varying situations, promoting equity, and preventing bias in order to ensure fairness in the online work context. We use the insights gained from this literature study to offer advice for enhancing online diversity management in a technologically evolving workplace.