Managing and Valuing Diversity in the South African Public Healthcare System

Abstract

Human capital remains a critical component of healthcare, particularly in low and middle-income countries where there is a dire shortage of professionals. Recruiting and retaining health professionals has become a key strategic focus in South Africa. Innovative recruitment strategies coupled with increasing access to higher education and training has resulted in an increasingly diverse workforce. Identifying, appreciating, and managing this diversity across all diversity dimensions is important for both social and economic reasons. These efforts are likely to provide an opportunity for optimizing productivity while building a cohesive workforce. This paper explores the impetus and possible methods for effective diversity management in the South African public healthcare environment.