The Effect of Individual Innovation on Employee Voice in Diversity Management: A Research in the Aviation Industry

Abstract

Purpose – This study investigates the impact of managing diversity and individual innovation in organizations on employee voice, which has recently been recognized as a significant phenomenon. To minimize the negative consequences arising from diversity in organizations and maximize positive outcomes, it is necessary for both employees individually and organizational managers to implement certain measures. In addition, the aviation sector, as one of the sectors most affected by global change, is an international sector where differences are rapidly experienced. Supporting individual innovation and ensuring the sustainability of management with employee voice is not easy in a sector where different individuals work. In this context, focusing on its impact on employee voice is the main objective of the research.
Design/methodology/approach – Quantitative research methods were used for data collection and analysis in the study, employing a cross-sectional survey method. To this end, 324 white-collar and blue-collar employees working in aviation companies operating in Turkey, selected using the convenience sampling method, formed the sample of the study. The data collected through questionnaires were analyzed using the SPSS 23.0 statistical program.
Results – The findings emphasize that diversity management and individual innovation have a significant effect on employee voice. It is important to encourage innovation and include practices that increase employee voice in the policies implemented by managers in diversity management. In addition, it was determined that there was no significant difference between the gender and education status of the participants and employee voice in terms of socio-demographics.
Discussion – With the rapid change in the global business world, the fields of activity, competition forms, organizational structures and management approaches of businesses continue to change. The differences encountered in every area of businesses are increasing, and understanding and effectively managing these differences is becoming difficult. It is stated that the relationship between the employees' having a say in their work and the operation of the business and their attempts to influence these, the individual's characteristics of embracing innovation and the management of their differences can be addressed in studies to be carried out in this direction for the sustainability of businesses.