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

Zouaghi, Ferdaous, Garcia Marco, Teresa, Garcia Martinez, Marian (2020) The link between R&D team diversity and innovative performance: A mediated moderation model. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 161 . Article Number 120325. ISSN 0040-1625. (doi:10.1016/j.techfore.2020.120325) (KAR id:83064)

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.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1016/j.techfore.2020.120325
Uncontrolled keywords: R&D team diversity; innovation performance; fault line; social capital; mediated moderation model
Subjects: H Social Sciences > HF Commerce > HF5351 Business
Divisions: Divisions > Kent Business School - Division > Department of Marketing, Entrepreneurship and International Business
Depositing User: Marian Garcia
Date Deposited: 23 Sep 2020 07:54 UTC
Last Modified: 21 Sep 2022 23:00 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/83064 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Garcia Martinez, Marian.

Creator's ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2689-2417
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