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Diversity attitudes and group knowledge processing in multicultural organizations

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  • Lauring, Jakob
  • Selmer, Jan

Abstract

The ability to locate, share, and use knowledge is vital for effective functioning of organizations. However, such knowledge processing can be complicated by increasing cultural diversity. Recent studies have suggested that a group’s diversity attitudes may increase group outcomes. In this study, based on a sample consisting of 489 members of multicultural academic departments, we set out to investigate the relationship between openness to diversity (linguistic, social category, value, and informational) and group knowledge processing (knowledge location, knowledge needed, bring knowledge to bear, and personal knowledge). We found openness to linguistic and informational diversity to have positive associations with all group knowledge processing variables. Openness to value diversity was positively associated with most group knowledge processing variables, while openness to social category diversity only had a positive effect on personal knowledge.

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  • Lauring, Jakob & Selmer, Jan, 2013. "Diversity attitudes and group knowledge processing in multicultural organizations," European Management Journal, Elsevier, vol. 31(2), pages 124-136.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:eurman:v:31:y:2013:i:2:p:124-136
    DOI: 10.1016/j.emj.2012.03.016
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    2. Li, Guiquan & Shang, Yufan & Liu, Haixin & Xi, Youmin, 2014. "Differentiated transformational leadership and knowledge sharing: A cross-level investigation," European Management Journal, Elsevier, vol. 32(4), pages 554-563.
    3. Sousa, Cátia & Gonçalves, Gabriela & Cunha, Miguel, 2015. "Cultural Values As A Support To The Development Of Intercultural Competences," Spatial and Organizational Dynamics Discussion Papers 2015-1, CIEO-Research Centre for Spatial and Organizational Dynamics, University of Algarve.
    4. Sara Alonso-Muñoz & Eva Pelechano-Barahona & Rocío González-Sánchez, 2020. "Participation in Group Companies as a Source of External Knowledge in Obtaining and Making Profitable Radical Innovations," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(18), pages 1-19, September.
    5. Gang, Cuiui & Li, Juanwei & Hu, Haiqing & Wei, Wei, 2023. "Dynamic co-movement between economic growth and language: A new perspective of technological progress," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 85(C), pages 705-721.
    6. Sousa, Cátia & Gonçalves, Gabriela, 2019. "Multiculturality as an antecedent to work wellbeing and work passion," Journal of Tourism, Sustainability and Well-being, Cinturs - Research Centre for Tourism, Sustainability and Well-being, University of Algarve, vol. 7(2), pages 101-124.

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