Unpacking the Role of Inclusive Human Resource Management (Inclusive HRM) in Deepening Organizational Belongingness and Mitigating Workplace Isolation Among Diverse Workforces

Dehghani, Masoud

doi:10.22034/jmsmo.2026.601167.1055

Unpacking the Role of Inclusive Human Resource Management (Inclusive HRM) in Deepening Organizational Belongingness and Mitigating Workplace Isolation Among Diverse Workforces

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article | English

Author

Masoud Dehghani

Assistant Professor, Department of Management, Faculty of Humanities and Management, Velayat University, Iranshahr, Iran.

10.22034/jmsmo.2026.601167.1055

Abstract

Objective: Diverse organizations increasingly face the challenge of workplace isolation among diverse employees, necessitating a transition beyond traditional diversity management. This study aims to examine the role of Inclusive Human Resource Management (Inclusive HRM) in deepening organizational belongingness and mitigating workplace isolation among diverse workforces.
Methodology: Applied in purpose and descriptive-survey in design, this study employs Structural Equation Modeling based on Partial Least Squares (PLS-SEM). The target population comprised diverse employees across technology-based and knowledge-intensive firms operating within major science and technology parks in Iran during the first half of 2024. A sample of 268 respondents was selected using purposive stratified random sampling. Data were collected via standardized questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS 27 and SmartPLS 4.
Findings: Results reveal that Inclusive HRM exerts a significant positive impact on organizational belongingness (β=0.648) and a significant negative impact on workplace isolation (β=-0.224). Furthermore, organizational belongingness significantly reduces workplace isolation (β=-0.546) and plays a partial mediating role in the relationship between Inclusive HRM and workplace isolation.
Conclusion: By fostering equitable mechanisms, embracing diversity, and valuing individual identity, Inclusive HRM establishes the necessary psychological foundation to deepen belongingness. The primary takeaway emphasizes institutionalizing inclusive practices to counteract socio-professional marginalization and transform workforce diversity into a sustained competitive advantage.

Keywords

Inclusive Human Resource Management

Organizational Belongingness

Workplace Isolation

Diverse Workforce

Subjects

Human resources management

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