Team Diversity and Learning in Organizations

Abstract

We review evidence regarding the relationship between (team) diversity in organizations and (team) learning. Team diversity has long been understood as an informational resource for teams to benefit from in knowledge work, and there is a strong conceptual linkage between team diversity and team learning. There are very few studies on the diversity–learning relationship, however. To contextualize our review of these, we first review theory and evidence regarding the team diversity–team performance relationship. This paints a picture of team diversity as having moderated effects: Diversity as an informational resource is a potentially positive influence, but diversity is also a potentially negative influence when it invites intergroup biases. Our review of the learning evidence shows that it fits within this broader framework of moderated team diversity effects. We also discuss cross-level influences that extend this team-level framework.