Categorical and Informational Diversity and Diversity of Thought

Abstract

This chapter explores a relatively underresearched assumption in the diversity literature, namely, that more variety in demographic characteristics, educational or functional backgrounds, or hierarchical status in the workforce represents a wider repertoire of perspectives, approaches, and ways of thinking. Using data from members of innovation teams across 27 organizations in 11 industries (for which variation in thinking should be highly valued), we explore at the individual level whether people with different demographic and informational backgrounds evidence differences in ways of thinking which we define in terms of cognitive styles, learning styles, cultural orientations, and communication preferences. We find large differences in ways of thinking due to culture and communication preferences but modest and limited differences in ways of thinking by level and type of education, occupational function, and hierarchical status. We find few differences by gender. The findings raise questions about the frequently repeated claims that categorical and informational diversity among organizational members reflects differences in ways of thinking.

Citation

McCarthy, M., DiTomaso, N. and Post, C. (2024), "Categorical and Informational Diversity and Diversity of Thought", Wasieleski, D. and Weber, J. (Ed.) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Management (Business and Society 360, Vol. 6), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 129-160. https://doi.org/10.1108/S2514-175920240000006006