Workplace Inclusivity in the Bangsamoro Region: The Interplay of Employee Engagement, Adaptive Leadership, and Public Administration Practices

Alimodin M. Hassan

doi:10.64423/arpa.v33i1.68

Authors

Alimodin M. Hassan Mindanao State University – Maguindanao, Philippines Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.64423/arpa.v33i1.68

Keywords:

Bangsamoro, workplace inclusivity, employee engagement, adaptive leadership, public administration

Abstract

This study investigates workplace inclusivity in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), a post-conflict region characterized by ethnic, religious, and geographic diversity. Aligning with Gartner’s Inclusion Index, quantitative data from 411. Bangsamoro employees were analyzed to assess inclusivity across seven dimensions: fair treatment, integrating differences, decision-making, psychological safety, trust, sense of belonging, and diversity. The results indicated a high overall inclusivity perception (mean = 3.73), with diversity scoring the highest (mean = 3.92) and psychological safety the lowest (mean = 3.55). Multiple regression revealed employee engagement (b = 0.478, p-value < 0.001), adaptive leadership (b = 0.244, p-value < 0.001), and public administration practices (b = 0.207, p < 0.001) as significant predictors of inclusivity. Hierarchical regression highlighted moderating effects of sociodemographic factors: (a) age and gender strengthened the impact of adaptive leadership on inclusivity; and (b) ethnicity and geographic location influenced the efficacy of engagement and administrative practices. The findings underscore BARMM’s progress in fostering inclusive governance through participatory policies and culturally sensitive leadership while identifying gaps in psychological safety and minority representation. Recommendations include decentralizing inclusivity initiatives, enhancing adaptive leadership training, and integrating local equity frameworks into public administration. This study contributes to the discourse on inclusive governance in fragmented societies and offers a model for balancing national policies with local implementation. This aligns with the emphasis of the New Public Service framework on equity and collaborative decision-making.

Author Biography

Alimodin M. Hassan, Mindanao State University – Maguindanao, Philippines

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