Unity in diversity: The role of the mediator cross-understanding and the role of the

moderator openess to cognitive diversity in group performance

Intoduction. Diversity is one of the most important feature in a group. This characteristic has
been very studied in the past years, but, it seems, however that some important inconsistencies
have yet to be resolved (Huber & Lewis,2010). The literature does not currently enable readers to
draw straightforward conclusions about the effects on group outcomes of variation in group
members` knowledge, beliefs, and perspectives (van Knippenberg & Schippers, 2007). For
example, the informational/decision-making perspective suggests that high levels of diversity in
these matters can have a positive effect on group performance (Jehn et al, 1999; Williams &
O`Reilly, 1998), whereas the social categorization perspective suggests that low levels of
diversity are beneficial (Cohen & Bailey, 1997).We propose that the concept of crossunderstanding may resolve some of these inconsistencies and may also contribute to
development of theory concerning the determination of group outcomes. We also propose that
openess to cognitive diversity (an antecedent of cross-understanding) may contribute to moderate
the relation between informational diversity and cross-understanding. We included this concept
in order to help practitioners to create some interventions on their groups so they can rise the
level of cross-understanding and, implicit, the performance.
Method. We propose a non-experimental design because it is adequate for this kind of research.
The variables will be measured using self-report survey items with Likert-type scale. There will
be 90 research and development teams questioned and all the members must fill in online the
questionnaire.
Data analysis. To confirm our hypothesis we applied two types of analysis. The first hypothesis
will be tested with a mediation model: the joint significance method (MacKinnon, Fairchild &
Fritz, 2007 apud Cureu) and for he second hypothesis will be applied a moderation model. We
look forward to confirm our both hypothesis.
Discussions and conclusion. The level of cross-understanding will mediate the relation between
informational diversity and performance and openess to cognitive diversity will moderate the
relation between informational diversity and cross-understanding. After these results we will
contribute to the diversity literature and will help drawing a straightforward conclusion by
solving the inconsistencies. These results will help to propose a theory concerning the
determinants of group outcomes and intervention programs for practitioners in order to rise the
level of cross-understanding.