Artificial intelligence, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace: Evidence from Omani organizations under vision 2040

Abstract

This study investigates the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in enhancing Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) within Omani workplaces in alignment with Oman Vision 2040. The research aims to explore how AI can be integrated into Human Resource Management (HRM) systems to promote fairness, minimize bias, and support inclusive organizational practices. A mixed-method approach was used, combining quantitative surveys distributed across educational and governmental institutions and qualitative interviews that provided deeper perspectives from selected employees. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including correlation, and regression through MS Excel and SPSS, while qualitative data were examined through thematic analysis. The findings indicate cautious optimism toward AI adoption: organizations demonstrate readiness to integrate AI into D&I initiatives, yet employees remain skeptical about its capacity to achieve genuine inclusivity. Trust in AI increased when systems demonstrated transparency, clear accountability, and meaningful human oversight; however, concerns continued to rise over biased datasets, regulatory gaps, and potential disruptions to the workforce. The study offers context-specific insights from Oman and highlights the need for ethical governance, inclusive data practices, and culturally sensitive frameworks to ensure that AI supports diversity rather than reinforcing inequalities.