Effects of Team Diversity on Individual Performance and Voice: A Field Experiment of Group Composition by Gender and Language

Valentina Contreras, Chiara Orsini (), Berkay Özcan () and Johann Koehler
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Valentina Contreras: London School of Economics
Chiara Orsini: University of Sheffield
Berkay Özcan: London School of Economics
Johann Koehler: London School of Economics

No 18145, IZA Discussion Papers from Institute of Labor Economics (IZA)

Abstract: We present results from a field experiment that tests the effects of varying gender and linguistic group composition on performance and on group-members’ perception that their voice is heard when completing complex collaborative work within a low scrutiny environment. We randomize individuals enrolled in a postgraduate course populated by mostly women and non-native English speakers into small teams within larger, exogenously assigned seminar groups. Groups are tasked with complex and deliberative research assignments over three months. Using administrative and survey data, we find that a higher share of women in seminar groups significantly benefits the academic performance of group members—an effect driven by a positive effect on female native English speakers — while a greater proportion of women in small teams improves non-native language speakers’ perception of being heard.

Keywords: peer effects; linguistic diversity; gender; team dynamics; higher education; field experiment (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025-09
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-exp and nep-hrm
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