From being diverse to becoming diverse: A dynamic team diversity theory
Li, Jia Meyer, Bertolt Shemla, Meir Wegge, Jürgen
Li, Jia
Meyer, Bertolt
Shemla, Meir
Wegge, Jürgen
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Publication Type
Journal article with impact factor
Editor
Supervisor
Publication Year
2018
Journal
Journal of Organizational Behavior
Book
Publication Volume
39
Publication Issue
8
Publication Begin page
956
Publication End page
970
Publication Number of pages
Collections
Abstract
On the basis of the literature of open systems and team diversity, we present a new dynamic team diversity theory that explains the effect of change in team diversity on team functioning and performance in the context of dynamic team composition. Building upon the conceptualization of teams as open systems, we describe the enlargement and decline of team variety, separation, and disparity through member addition, subtraction, and substitution. Then, focusing on diversity enlargement, we theorize the contemporaneous and lasting effects of team diversity change on team performance change and on team processes and states leading to them. Dynamic team diversity theory expands the focus of team diversity research from teams' being more diverse than others to teams' becoming more diverse than before. It aims to advance team diversity research to be better aligned with the organizational reality of dynamic team composition. We also discuss methodological considerations in subsequent empirical testing of the theory and highlight how the theory and future research may help to guide organizational practice in recomposing work teams.
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Keywords
Change, Dynamic Team Composition, Team Diversity, Team Performance