Workplace Inclusion of Persons with a Disability: Comparison of Indian and German Multinationals

Аннотация

Purpose – In the present study, we integrate research on human resource systems with work on disability management practices to outline how multinationals across India and Germany are engaged in efforts to increase workplace inclusion of persons with a disability. Methodology – Semi-structured interviews with respondents from multinational corporations in India and Germany were conducted, transcribed, and analyzed. Findings – Employers followed three guiding principles (i.e., beliefs): importance of harnessing diversity, encouraging multi-stakeholder engagement internally, and engaging with the external ecosystem to build internal human resource capabilities. Respondents further noted two interdependent and mutually constitutive programs that covered the life-cycle of the employee: job flexibility provisions and integration programs. Country-specific differences existed in terms of perceived external stakeholder support and availability of talent.