The link between R&D team diversity and innovative performance: A mediated moderation model

Ferdaous Zouaghi, Teresa Garcia-Marco and Marian Garcia Martinez

Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 2020, vol. 161, issue C

Abstract: This paper examines how diversity dimensions, namely gender, skills and education, in R&D teams interact to drive innovation. Our research supports the hypothesis that surface-level diversity might negatively affect R&D team performance when interacting with deep-level diversity. Further, the study considers the mediating effect of social capital to extract value from diverse R&D teams. Social capital favours social interaction by developing harmonious interpersonal relationships among diverse team members. Research hypotheses were tested using the Spanish Technological Innovation Panel (PITEC) for the period 2008-2015. Our mediated-moderation model suggests that high diversity in education or skills in gender diverse teams might adversely affect innovation performance, although the mediating role of R&D social capital diminishes this outcome. This study provides valuable insights for managers aiming to benefit from diversity in R&D teams while minimizing the conflict and mistrust associated with excessive diversity.

Keywords: R&D team diversity; Innovation performance; Fault line; Social capital; Mediated moderation model (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:tefoso:v:161:y:2020:i:c:s0040162520311513

DOI: 10.1016/j.techfore.2020.120325

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