Close Menu

    Mar 13, 2019    |   Psychometrics Canada

Making Diversity Work

Written by Shawn Bakker, Psychologist

 

Do you like working with diverse groups? If you care about performance, now would be a good time to start. Research studies consistently show that diverse workplaces are better in very tangible ways. Whether evaluated by examining financial results or workplace performance, diversity wins the day.

Here’s just a short sample:

  • Organizations with diverse boards generate returns on equity that were 53% higher, on average, than less diverse boards.1
  • They also generate 14% higher earnings, on average.1
  • Organizations with women on the board display better average growth.2
  • Diverse groups perform better than homogeneous groups when making decisions.3
  • Groups with new and different viewpoints achieve better results than homogeneous ones.4

What is very interesting about the last study, which examined how diverse groups composed of new members better solve problems, is that the better performing groups reported less confidence in their performance. Having a diversity of opinions and ideas made them question themselves and their outcomes – but their solutions and choices were the right ones. The confidence of the homogeneous groups was misplaced!

This brings me to the key aspects of diversity – it only works when the variety of ideas and perspectives that people bring are leveraged. This requires some effort and a way of communicating different opinions and thoughts in a positive way. The MBTI® assessment provides a powerful framework that can help you recognize diversity and incorporate what can initially appear to be competing perspectives. There are no tasks where the Thinking perspective is better than the Feeling perspective – the ideal is to gather the important information that both Thinking and Feeling provide and then move forward. So if you find yourself in constant agreement with those around you, beware! A lack of diversity may be present, and it will begin to show in your team’s performance.

 

Related Content:

Addressing Misconceptions About the MBTI Assessment

Using the MBTI® to Enhance Workplace Communication

Communicating with Type in Mind


1 – https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/organization/our-insights/is-there-a-payoff-from-top-team-diversity
2 – https://www.credit-suisse.com/corporate/en/media/news/articles/media-releases/2012/07/en/42035.html
3 – https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/04/060410162259.htm
4 – https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0146167208328062

Filed under: Diversity

Related Posts



MBTI Junction, Uncategorized

2023 Year in Review

Jan 01, 2024 | Camille Labrie

Read More
MBTI Junction, Uncategorized

Team Dynamics Breakout Activity

Nov 07, 2023 | Camille Labrie

Read More
MBTI Junction, Diversity

Diversity = Performance

Nov 07, 2023 | Psychometrics Canada

Read More