Abstract:
In this narrative review, I am reviewing the existing literature on marginalized
communities in the workplace and the barriers they face globally, examining how ERGs
can support them, promoting diversity and inclusion in the MENA region. This review
emphasizes the need for more research studies that reflect the lived experiences of
marginalized people in the region. The review of the existing literature is important for
understanding the impact that employee resource groups (ERGs) have had on
employees and organizations in developed countries, providing a foundation for
exploring the potential implementation in the MENA region to achieve similar results.
The study reviews 30 articles based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. These
studies examined various aspects and benefits of ERGs in the workplace and the impact
they had on marginalized employees. The findings of the study showcase the significant
outcomes that ERGs can have on MENA region workplaces, targeting the prevalent
challenges plaguing organizational harmony and support. The study offers a
groundwork for ERG implementation in the MENA region to boost DEI practices and
recommends that future research studies explore the possibility of regional integration
of such initiatives while factoring in the socio-political and cultural dynamics that might
halt yielding similar results as in developed countries.
