Diversity as a Knowledge Resource in Top Management Teams - A Framework for Agent-Based Modeling

Abstract

The current paper reveals and explains inconsistencies in cognitive diversity research regarding diversity effects on top management team information processing as a presumption for team performance. On the one hand diversity constitutes a resource by enlarging the knowledge-pool of the team and therefore potentially contributes to team and organisational performance. On the other hand diversity can act as a barrier and hinder access to the knowledge. The paper refers to limitations of empirical research designs and discusses different simulation approaches as alternative research methods. Following the first steps of a roadmap for using simulation given by Davis et al. (2007) a framework, comprising relevant moderator and mediator variables of the team diversity - information processing relationship, is identified. Finally agent based simulation is acknowledged as method to clarify the team diversity - team performance relationship in future research and further steps of the roadmap are outlined.