How could HR practices be implemented in recruitment and selection to enable best practices towards diversity in organisations in Saudi Arabia?

Abstract

This study explores the role of human resource (HR) practices in recruitment and selection to maximise diversity, including gender diversity, in organisations with a specific focus on Saudi Arabia. The research highlights the importance of diversity in enhancing innovation, creativity and organisational performance. It examines the formats in which cultural, legal, and organisational challenges impact the implementation of diversity strategies in the recruitment process. Drawing on theories such as Institutional Theory, Human Resource Management (HRM) Theory, and Diversity Management Theory, the research identifies the benefits of diverse workforces and the barriers posed by deeprooted cultural norms (e.g., gender roles and tribal affiliations). Through following systematic literature review methodology, this research included 60 studies. Key findings suggest that diversity promotes creativity and better decision-making; nevertheless, it indicated that achieving it in Saudi organisations requires overcoming societal bias and adapting global diversity practices to the local context. Moreover, the study explores the tension between merit-based and diversity-based recruitment, which has emphasised the need for HR managers to find a balance between fairness and inclusivity. Recommendations include adopting blind recruitment practices, creating inclusive job descriptions, providing diversity training for HR professionals and implementing targeted recruitment strategies. The research contributes to the existing literature by addressing the limited studies on diversity in recruitment and selection in Saudi Arabia, mainly in non-Western contexts. It identifies gaps in current practices and suggests areas for future research, like the exploration of other dimensions of diversity, as is the case in disability and age and the role of leadership in promoting inclusive HR practices. Thus, this study provides thoughts into the ways through which organisations could embrace recruitment and selection processes with diversity goals to create inclusive workplaces in Saudi Arabia.