Final answer:
Cross-cultural teams, which combine members from different cultures, are most effective in managing complex and ambiguous tasks due to their potential for innovation and comprehensive problem-solving capabilities.
Step-by-step explanation:
In a scenario where you are managing a new plant with a mixed workforce from three different cultures, the most effective team composition for complex work with ambiguity would likely be cross-cultural teams with representatives from each culture on each team (option b). Cross-cultural teams can bring together a range of perspectives and skills, facilitating innovation and problem-solving. Such teams benefit from diverse viewpoints, which can lead to better outcomes than homogeneous teams. Research suggests that homogeneous teams may experience conformity pressures that limit creativity, while diverse teams may offer a broader range of skills and experiences that are conducive to better performance, especially in tasks that require innovative thinking and problem resolution.
Furthermore, diverse teams may contribute to reducing or eliminating prejudice between groups when the workplace supports equal standing, common goals, and cooperation, as highlighted by Pettigrew and Tropp's research. This aligns with the 'salad bowl' metaphor for intergroup relationships, which is associated with pluralism rather than assimilation, allowing individuals to maintain their distinct cultural identities while contributing to a cohesive unit.