Examining the effect of functional diversity on organizational team innovation
International Journal of Innovation Science
ISSN: 1757-2223
Article publication date: 24 August 2021
Issue publication date: 23 March 2022
Abstract
Purpose
Underpinned by the information processing theory, this study aims to investigate the relationship between functional diversity and team innovation by examining the moderating role of some selected cultural dimensions (power distance, uncertainty avoidance and masculinity-femininity) in the relationship between functional diversity and innovation.
Design/methodology/approach
A quantitative research method was used using a structured questionnaire as a tool to collect data from 251 respondents drawn from research institutions in Ghana. Data was analysed using simple regression and hierarchical multiple regression. In addition, a structural equation model was used to conduct confirmatory factor analyses to examine whether the variables in the hypothesized model for the study captured distinct constructs that the variables were designed to measure.
Findings
The study revealed that functional diversity was positively related to team innovation. The study also found that functionally diverse groups are more innovative when they exhibit low uncertainty avoidance, femininity and low power distance.
Practical implications
These findings suggest that practices such as team communication, honesty, respect and trust would foster team unity and commitment, which would enable members to share diverse expertise towards the creation and execution of new ideas and improvement of productivity in the country.
Originality/value
The study examined the relationship between functional diversity and team innovation by examining the moderating role of some selected cultural dimensions (power distance, uncertainty avoidance and masculinity-femininity) in the relationship between functional diversity and innovation.
Keywords
Citation
Abiew, G.E., Okyere-Kwakye, E. and Ellis, F.Y.A. (2022), "Examining the effect of functional diversity on organizational team innovation", International Journal of Innovation Science, Vol. 14 No. 2, pp. 193-212. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJIS-02-2021-0027
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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