A Conceptual Model of Workplace Diversity as a Moderator of Critical Factors Affecting Business Continuity Management in UAE MNCs

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to formulate a conceptual model that examines the moderating role of workplace diversity in the relationship between key critical success factors (CSFs) namely innovation, performance adaptation, proactive strategy, and talent retention, and Business Continuity Management (BCM) in multinational corporations (MNCs) operating in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It addresses the current knowledge gap on how internal strategic enablers and workplace diversity collectively influence BCM effectiveness in multicultural and dynamic business environments

Research Method: The conceptual model was developed through an extensive literature review focusing on strategic drivers of BCM and the role of diversity in organizational performance. The model integrates theoretical insights from the Resource-Based View (RBV) and Causal Relationship Theory to establish the hypothesized relationships between constructs

Findings: The study identifies four CSFs as significant predictors of BCM and introduces workplace diversity as a moderating variable that may strengthen or weaken the influence of these factors. It proposes that the effectiveness of BCM practices depends not only on the presence of strategic enablers but also on how well diversity is leveraged within the organization

Originality: This research contributes a novel, theory-driven conceptual framework that highlights the mediating role of workplace diversity in BCM within the UAE’s multicultural context. It integrates two complementary theories (RBV and Causal Relationship Theory) to explain how internal capabilities and workforce diversity interact to drive business resilience