From Inclusion to Performance: Examining the Effects of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives on Job Performance of Healthcare Professionals

The need to transition from representational diversity to meaningful diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts that improve employee performance has increased due to the expanding diversity of the healthcare workforce. This study investigates the effects of Health Professions Education–DEI (HPE-DEI) programs on healthcare professionals' job performance using Social Identity Theory. A quantitative, cross-sectional strategy was used to gather information from 300 medical professionals employed by public and commercial healthcare organizations in Punjab, India. Data analysis was done using SmartPLS 4.0 and partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The results show that DEI efforts significantly improve job performance. In particular, task and contextual performance are strongly influenced by self-awareness and beliefs, environmental awareness and context, and self-efficacy for action; the best predictor is self-efficacy for action. By offering empirical proof that inclusive and equity-oriented practices are important factors influencing workforce performance in healthcare settings, the study adds to the literature on DEI and healthcare professionalism.