IP chapter 8

Question 1

The 4 types of diversity in teams

Answer 1

Homogeneous teams
Token teams
Bicultural teams
Multicultural teams

Question 2

Homogeneous teams

Answer 2

All have a similar background (culture, gender, profession). Tend to see the world in a more similar way and come to similar solutions

Question 3

Token teams

Answer 3

All are from the same culture except one. Token teams can increase the vision and performance by paying attention to the token member’s alternative vision

Question 4

Bicultural teams

Answer 4

Team consists of two cultures, equally or unequally distributed. Tendency for the group with larger number of members to dominate. Teams perform best if they share their different perspectives and equal attention is ensured

Question 5

Multicultural teams

Answer 5

Team represents more than two cultures. Leader of teams have an important role in recognizing the advantages and challenges multicultural teams face in different stages of group formation, to create the ideal conditions for team excellence

Question 6

Strenghts of multicultural teams (2)

Answer 6

• Diversity increases creativity -> more cultures, more visions, broader perspective -> more and better ideas -> more alternatives for problem solving
• Less ‘groupthink’ or group pressure to do what the group wants

Question 7

Weaknesses in multicultural teams (3)

Answer 7

• Diversity causes lack of cohesion -> people find themselves forming in-groups with people of their own culture or background
• Non-verbal communication aspects can cause mistrust
• Stereotyping is source of stress

Question 8

Stages of group formation in mulitcultural teams

Answer 8

Forming
Storming
Norming
Performing
Adjourning

Question 9

Forming

Answer 9

Characterized by uncertainty. Multicultural teams benefit by getting to know each other first and by gaining trust. Getting to know each other and building trust is more important than to start the task right away

Question 10

Storming

Answer 10

Internal group conflict; leadership clashes and perceived restrictions by the group on the individual.
For low context cultures, clashes in opinion are not such a problem
For high context cultures, clashes in opinion are rude and unprofessional

Question 11

Norming

Answer 11

Group cohesiveness grows, and relationships are built. What is the correct behavior? What can you expect?
Multicultural teams may have to invest more time and be more specific in the norming stage

Question 12

Performing

Answer 12

Group is working at its full potential. For multicultural groups: the working stage. The diversity in multicultural teams helps in innovative and creative ways of problem solving

Question 13

Adjourning

Answer 13

Final stage where activities are wrapped up and come to a conclusion. Multicultural teams might need help: with so much diversity and divergence, it is hard to converge into a conclusion