Diversity Management

Theoretical Background
 

In times of globalization and socio-demographic changes, diversity (demographic and cultural diversity) has emerged as a critical success factor for multinational enterprises. In this context, diversity management seeks to proactively and synergistically make use of different kinds of diversity.

Objective
 

Within the scope of this research, we focus on diversity that may influence inter- and intra-company collaboration of innovation teams (cultural-ethnical, demographic, cognitive and relational diversity). Moreover, intercultural processes between companies, especially between alliance partners, are studied in different country contexts.

Methods
 

To achieve the outlined research objectives, qualitative and quantitative methods are required. A comprehensive literature analysis regarding diversity is conducted. In parallel or subsequently, a survey is carried out at company level and individual level. This survey explores influences of personnel and cultural diversity on different aspects of operational processes. Subsequently, data of our empirical study, which is analyzed by elaborated statistical methods, sheds more light on the issue. Thus, causal relationships and potentials of diversity and its influence on operational processes are revealed.

Funding
 

Research on intercultural aspects was also generously supported by Volkswagenstiftung (www.volkswagen-stiftung.de)  , project manager: Prof. Dr. R. Bouncken.

Selected Publications
 

Cultural Diversity in Entrepreneurial Teams: Findings of New Ventures in Germany and the UK (Ricarda B. Bouncken, Keith J. Perks), in: International Journal of Business Research (IJBR), Nr. 1, 2005, S. 55 - 75.

National and Cultural Diversity in Transnational Innovation Teams (Ricarda B. Bouncken, Viviane A. Winkler), angenommen, in: Technology Analysis & Strategic Management, 2011.

What does Collectivism mean for Leadership and Teamwork Performance? An Empirical Study in Professional Service Firms (Ricarda B. Bouncken, Aim-Orn Imcharoen, Willma Klassen-Van Husen), in: Journal of International Business and Economics (JIBE), Nr. 2, 2007, S. 1 - 13.