Final answer:
The true statement about working with a culturally diverse group is that understanding and respecting cultural differences enhances group effectiveness. Diversity training helps teams work better together, and diverse teams can often outperform homogenous ones by being more innovative and adaptable.
Step-by-step explanation:
Among the statements given regarding working with a culturally diverse group, the true statement is: C) Understanding and respecting cultural differences can enhance group effectiveness
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Working in a culturally diverse environment presents unique challenges and opportunities. When team members from various cultural backgrounds come together, they bring unique perspectives and skills, which often leads to more innovative solutions and outcomes. Diversity training plays a crucial role in teaching individuals about these differences to improve teamwork and collaboration.
Research, such as the meta-analysis by Pettigrew and Tropp (2006), has shown that interaction between groups under the right conditions can reduce prejudices. Conditions like equal standing, common goals, and institutional support for the interaction are vital for fostering effective collaboration among diverse groups.
It's important to note that while embracing diversity, cultural biases are a factor that everyone must strive to be aware of, without allowing these biases to overshadow appreciation and critical evaluation of other cultures.
Moreover, the notion that homogeneity within a group is more productive is a misconception. Different researches, including that on gender diversity in teams, suggest that a balanced mix can result in better performance. Therefore, it's critical for organizations to encourage cultural diversity to achieve a range of perspectives, leading to growth and innovation.