Diverse Teams Feel Less Comfortable — and That’s Why They Perform Better

In numerous studies, diversity — both inherent (e.g., race, gender) and acquired (experience, cultural background) — is associated with business success. For example, a 2009 analysis of 506 companies found that firms with more racial or gender diversity had more sales revenue, more customers, and greater profits. A 2016 analysis of more than 20,000 firms in 91 countries found that companies with more female executives were more profitable. In a 2011 study management teams exhibiting a wider range of educational and work backgrounds produced more-innovative products. These are mere correlations, but laboratory experiments have also shown the direct effect of diversity on team performance. In a 2006 study of mock juries, for example, when black people were added to the jury, white jurors processed the case facts more carefully and deliberated more effectively.

Under increasing scrutiny, and mindful of the benefits of diversity on the bottom line, many companies are trying to recruit and retain a more diverse workforce. Success has so far been marginal. With so much at stake, why aren’t these companies making more headway? One reason could be that, despite the evidence about their results, homogenous teams just feel more effective. In addition, people believe that diverse teams breed greater conflict than they actually do. Bringing these biases to light may enable ways to combat them.

To read the full article click:

https://hbr.org/2016/09/diverse-teams-feel-less-comfortable-and-thats-why-they-perform-better

LEARN MORE
News

Clark Salary Guide 2025

Clark is pleased to present our Annual Salary Guide for 2025, a comprehensive resource developed through extensive research and analysis. This guide is based on data collected from over 6000 jobseekers and 600 job openings between April and November 2024, reflecting the latest market trends and predictions. Stephen Farrell-O’Callaghan, Director of Clark, notes: “As we […]

LEARN MORE
News

Join Our Leadership Network

Confidentially connect with Clark Executive Search — your partner for the next strategic move. At Clark Executive Search, we partner with senior leaders who are planning their next career step — even if that move is months or years away. Our Leadership Network is a curated community of high-performing executives across Ireland and internationally, built […]

LEARN MORE
News

Swift, Aligned Recruitment: A Success Story with EQC Ireland

At Clark Recruitment, we take pride in partnering with organisations that value quality, culture, and efficiency in their hiring process. EQC Ireland, a leading provider in their industry, approached us with a critical requirement: sourcing a Senior Administrator to join their expanding team. The challenge? Finding the right candidate with the ideal blend of technical […]

LEARN MORE
News

Clark Executive Search Solutions

At Clark, we specialise in executive search, providing you with unparalleled support throughout the entire recruitment lifecycle. Our dedicated team of Recruitment and search professionals guides you seamlessly through each phase, ensuring you have access to the strongest pool of candidates. We pride ourselves on a rigorous, compliant approach that safeguards against procedural challenges. Our […]