AN ANALYSIS ON DIVERSITY MANAGEMENT AT INVESTRUST BANK ZAMBIA

This study focused on diversity management in the banking sector, using the case of Investrust.
The objectives of the study were to identify the diversity management practices that Investrust
Bank views as important for retaining employees, to analyse how diversity management practices
are being applied at Investrust Bank and to find ways in which diversity management can be
improved at Investrust. The study utilized a descriptive research set out to analyse diversity
management at Investrust Bank. The target population for the study was Branch Managers, and
Staff of Investrust Branches in Lusaka. A sample of 100 respondents was selected from different
branches of Investrust Bank in Lusaka. The data collection instruments used were questionnaires
and unstructured interviews.
The research established that Investrust Bank Plc did not have a written down policy but supports
diversity management through various processes. At Investrust, the goal of diversity management
is to enable all employees to reach their full potential in pursuit of the organisations’ mission. The
hundred respondents who participated in the study reported that diversity management was
practiced through the process of hiring, compensation system and training and development. In the
study, it was found that diversity management at Investrust is imbedded in all the human resource
practices and implemented as one with all the systems. The study revealed that the Bank had
strategies such as balanced recruitment, support to minority groups, diversity training and equal
employment opportunities. The recommendations therefore were that management and the board
should further look into ways of improving diversity management in the organisation.
Employees suggested that, building an inclusive and harmonious workplace is not just the
responsibility of the company leadership and that bank diversity management committees could
be set up to improve diversity management in the organisation.