INNOVATING THROUGH DIVERSITY: EXAMINING THE INFLUENCE OF CULTURAL VALUES, MOTIVATION, AND COMMITMENT IN PAKISTANI ORGANIZATIONS

Abstract

The study presents the impact of cultural diversity on organizational innovation, particularly in relation to the moderating role of intrinsic motivation and affective commitment. Though workplace diversity rises in Pakistan, the connection between diversity and innovation is not clear, but it has produced mixed results. The main aim was to investigate whether cultural diversity stimulates innovation, and it was also seen that the motivation and dedication of employees play a role in this process. That is why a quantitative research design was selected, and data were collected from 300 employees in the technology, e-commerce, and education sectors using structured questionnaires. The reliability of all the scales was above acceptable levels (Cronbach's Alpha 0.81). Regression analysis provided evidence concerning the cultural diversity as a significant positive contributor to innovation (B = 0.42, p = .028). Affective commitment had a significant moderating effect on the relationship (B=0.18, p=.003), whereas the intrinsic motivation was positively but not significantly related (B=0.13, p=.064). As shown in the findings, there is a need to strengthen emotional attachment to the employees in a way that innovation can work in favour of diversity. The recommendation on how organizations can convert diversity into a performance advantage is to foster inclusive leadership practices and a commitment-building approach by investing in them. This study can add to the literature on management of diversity and innovation in the developing instances and more specifically in the Pakistani business environment.