Perceptions of workforce diversity in high schools and diversity management: a qualitative analysis

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to explore perceptions about high school staff diversity, potential benefits and drawbacks of diversity and administrative applications and policies for diversity in the view of administrators and teachers. Survey method was employed in the research as well as the qualitative method. The research group consisted of total 24 administrators and teachers from state high schools in Kütahya, Kayseri and Van provinces. Eight individuals from each province (four randomly chosen administrators and four randomly chosen teachers) were interviewed. The semi-structured interview method was employed for data gathering. Descriptive content analyses were used for data analysis. The following results were reached: The administrators and teachers generally had positive views about high school staff diversity. As a result, it was seen that such diversity brought critical benefits for both employees and schools and at the same time, it caused certain problems. In addition, administrative applications and policies for diversity in high schools were generally positive, but sometimes negative.