Diversity in Teams: Collaboration and Performance in Experiments with Different Tasks

Darova, Ornella and Duchene, Anne (2024): Diversity in Teams: Collaboration and Performance in Experiments with Different Tasks.

Abstract

This study explores the impact of demographic diversity on teamwork in higher education. Using an experimental design, we find that diversity enhances team performance on creative tasks but hinders it on standard tasks. Additionally, diversity influences teamwork quality in a U-shaped pattern, suggesting that extremely homogeneous or heterogeneous groups collaborate more effectively, while moderately diverse groups face challenges. This paper contributes to understanding the distinct effects of diversity on team creativity and cohesion, emphasizing the role of demographic characteristics in shaping team dynamics.

• Item Type: MPRA Paper
• Language: English
• Keywords: Diversity, Knowledge Production, Creativity, Teamwork, Education
• Subjects: A - General Economics and Teaching > A2 - Economic Education and Teaching of Economics > A22 - Undergraduate; I - Health, Education, and Welfare > I2 - Education and Research Institutions > I21 - Analysis of Education; J - Labor and Demographic Economics > J1 - Demographic Economics > J15 - Economics of Minorities, Races, Indigenous Peoples, and Immigrants ; Non-labor Discrimination

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