Final answer:
The statement that diverse teams can produce more innovative solutions than homogeneous teams is true. Diversity brings in a range of ideas and perspectives, leading to greater creativity and problem-solving. This is demonstrated in both organizational research and practical applications such as engineering.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that diverse teams can usually produce innovative solutions with broader applications than more homogeneous (similar) teams is true. This idea is backed by research in organizational behavior, which shows that diversity in teams can contribute to a broader range of ideas and perspectives, leading to more innovative outcomes. Diverse teams benefit from a mix of skills, experiences, and expertise, positively impacting team performance and innovation. For example, research cited from Hoogendoorn, Oosterbeek, & van Praag (2013) indicated that gender-balanced teams performed better than those less balanced. This suggests that diversity in teams can enhance creativity and problem-solving abilities, which is crucial for innovation.
In addition, it's important to note that diverse teams aggregate individuals who can offer diverse perspectives on problem-solving, which can cover more ground than teams made up of people with similar backgrounds and thought processes. Moreover, the practical application in engineering, where multidisciplinary teams are necessary to tackle complex modern challenges, further demonstrates the advantage of a diverse team structure over homogeneous ones.