The effect of gender diversity on the organizational performance: A research in non-profit organizations in Turkey

The non-profit organizations in Turkey currently face a significant gender gap. The research has shown that women are facing serious obstacles in their workplace at all levels and especially when it comes to women in leadership positions. Evidently, gender equality is not only one of the human rights but also a crucial pillar for a healthy society that lives in dignity, peace and prosperity. This study aims to determine the impact of gender diversity at NPOs in Turkey on organizational performance. Thus, it was critical to shed the light on the significance of gender diversity at workplace in maximizing organizational performance. This study has identified three dimensions to measure the performance in non-profit organizations which are effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability. The research applies a quantitative method by designing an online survey based on previous academic articles and studies. The questionnaire was randomly distributed among the local, international, and other types of NPOs employees across Turkey which resulted in 259 filled surveys. Analysis of the responses demonstrate that gender diversity has a positive effect on organizational performance and therefore has a positive effect on its effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability as such. Thus, the findings show that gender diversity has the strongest positive significant effect on effectiveness, followed by sustainability, and then efficiency. On this basis, it is recommended that NPOs executive management and human resource departments in Turkey should take gender diversity more seriously as it is identified as a key factor for boosting their overall performance. The research provides concrete standards for enhancing women's roles in this sector. Further research is needed to identify other key factors that would help women in increasing their performance in these organizations.