International Journal of Religion 2024 Volume: 5| Number 9 | pp. 69 – 89 ISSN: 2633-352X (Print) | ISSN: 2633-3538 (Online) ijor.co.uk DOI: https://doi.org/10.61707/5773rw28 The Influence of Cultural Diversity on Core Hr Functions Within Nigeria Public Sector Umar Abdu Suleiman 1 and Parul Saxena 2 Abstract The study examines the influence of cultural diversity on core HR functions within Nigeria public sector Findings reveal a significant positive direct effect of Cultural Diversity on Recruitment and Selection (Estimate = 0.837, p < 0.001), Training and Development (Estimate = 0.783, p < 0.001), and Performance Evaluation (Estimate = 0.925, p < 0.001). Inclusive leadership policies influenced by cultural diversity positively impact Performance Evaluation (Estimate = 0.095, p = 0.029). Embracing diversity and implementing inclusive practices enhances HR processes, fosters training, ensures fair evaluations, and cultivates inclusive leadership. The study underscores diversity and inclusion's strategic importance for organizational success, supported by theories from social psychology, organizational behavior, and HR management. It suggests that by embracing diversity, organizations can foster cross-cultural understanding and develop effective solutions to implementation challenges, contributing to organizational effectiveness and success in the Nigerian public service. Keywords: Employee Performance, Cultural Diversity, Leadership Inclusive policy, Training and Development, Public Service Organizations, Recruitment and Selection. Performance Evaluation INTRODUCTION Nigeria, a country which culturally diverse has more that 250+ ethnical groups (Crane et al., 2019a). This diversity is also reflected in the federal government workforce, and the ethno-religious sensitivity within the workforce is stimulating intolerance within the youth and venerable and is affecting organizational performance(Sarvari et al., 2021). Human resource Functions plays a crucial role in managing a diverse workforce and leveraging its strengths. The cultural values and norms of employees can impact important HR functions. For instance, cultural attitudes towards concepts like individualism vs collectivism, power distance, uncertainty avoidance etc. may shape expectations and preferences regarding leadership, decision making, accountability, work-life balance, and other aspects(Zheng et al., 2021). If not properly managed, cultural differences could lead to workplace conflicts, communication gaps, lack of cooperation, and inefficient HR practices. On the other hand, promoting inclusion and embracing diversity can enhance innovation, productivity, and organizational success. This study's rationale is grounded in the need to examine how cultural diversity influences core HR functions within federal agencies and ministries. The federal character principle in Nigeria's constitution requires equitable representation across geopolitical zones in public sector hiring(Kumar, 2022). However, beyond representation, there is limited understanding of how diversity impacts day-to-day HR policies and practices after recruitment. This research will provide insight into current strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities to better leverage heterogeneity as an asset. Specifically, the study focuses on three HR functions integral to employee experiences and organizational success. Training approaches from Western contexts may not transfer effectively in Nigeria. Diverse learning styles, languages, and educational backgrounds should inform training and development. Performance management systems could potentially lack cultural competence, leading to inequitable opportunities and appraisal. Sensitivities around direct feedback versus maintaining harmony may also emerge (Isiaka & Emmanuel, 2018). Beyond theoretical relevance, the research has the potential for applied impact. Findings can directly inform 1 Business Management Department, Sharda School of Business Studies, Sharda University UP, India. E-mail: alhfarouq07@gmail.com 2 Business Management Department, Sharda School of Business Studies, Sharda University UP, India. E-mail: saxenaparul309@gmail.com