The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of employee diversity strategies on the relationship between human capital development and organisational performance at Coca-Cola Company in Mbarara City, grounded in the Resource-Based View theory. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study integrated correlational, descriptive, and case study designs to capture multiple dimensions of the research problem. The target population consisted of 235 employees, from which a sample of 148 respondents was systematically selected using stratified, proportionate, simple random, and purposive sampling techniques. Quantitative data were collected through self-administered questionnaires and analysed using SPSS version 28, employing descriptive statistics, correlation, and linear regression, while qualitative data from unstructured interviews were analysed thematically. The correlational analysis revealed a moderate positive and statistically significant relationship between employee diversity and organisational performance, with a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.464 (p = 0.000), suggesting that greater diversity is associated with improved performance. However, regression analysis indicated a positive but not statistically significant effect (β = 0.183, p = 0.113), highlighting a gap between the perceived benefits of diversity and its measurable impact on performance, potentially influenced by contextual factors such as leadership representation and integration practices. These findings underscore the importance of implementing structured diversity strategies to enhance human capital and organisational outcomes. The study contributes to the body of knowledge by providing empirical evidence from the Ugandan context, where research on diversity and performance in multinational companies is limited. For policy, the findings suggest that management should strengthen diversity initiatives, leadership inclusivity, and integration processes to maximise workforce potential and improve overall organisational effectiveness.
Keywords: Employee Diversity Strategies, Human Capital Development, Organisational Performance, Manufacturing Company
