Title: A systematic literature review of board diversity in agile healthcare supply chain

Authors: K. De Klerk; F. Singh

Addresses: Kylie de Klerk Consulting, Perth, 6000, Western Australia ' School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, 6000, Western Australia

Abstract: The healthcare supply chain plays a fundamental role in addressing the healthcare needs of local and global communities. The composition of the healthcare sector, particularly regarding cultural and gender diversity, is an antecedent to effective medical healthcare management, and achieving organisational performance. Following an appraisal of the selected literature, six themes emerged in the research area of diversity in healthcare. These were cultural diversity management, gender diversity management, governance and leadership, board management, Indigenous healthcare, and healthcare workers and teamwork. Findings from the study suggest the advancement of critical elements of organisational diversity research in the agile medical supply chain, including aspects of the influences of workforce heterogeneity on board governance practices, organisational culture and climate-specific studies, organisational performance and non-performance outcomes, and diversity disparities in senior and executive-level leadership roles. This study can influence regulatory decision-making, strategic policy origination, and operational diversity management programs.

Keywords: gender diversity; board diversity; medical healthcare management; healthcare supply chain; healthcare corporate governance; Indigenous healthcare.

DOI: 10.1504/IJASM.2021.120242

International Journal of Agile Systems and Management, 2021 Vol.14 No.4, pp.576 - 613

Received: 22 Apr 2021
Accepted: 06 Aug 2021
Published online: 11 Jan 2022 *

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