Final answer:
The correct statement about defenders-of-belief communities, according to Gossieaux and Moran, is that they seek conformity and want to convince others of their beliefs. They tend to resist change and prioritize maintaining internal consistency over innovation or accepting new ideas.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Gossieaux and Moran, the statement that is true of defenders-of-belief communities is B: They seek conformity and want to convince others of the wisdom of their beliefs. Communities adhering to the defenders-of-belief model encourage cohesion by focusing on a set of shared beliefs and discourage questioning or critical thinking that might challenge these beliefs. Their main goal is to ensure that internal consistency is maintained within the community and to promote their shared views to outsiders.
In contrast to being effective in innovation or problem-solving, defenders-of-belief communities may resist change and new perspectives. This is why option A would not be correct, as such communities typically do not thrive on innovation. Additionally, option C is misleading since it is not supported by evidence that defenders-of-belief communities specifically make ineffective sales and marketing professionals. Their effectiveness in sales or marketing could vary based on the context and individual skills. Lastly, option D is not true since defenders-of-belief communities are characterized by a reluctance to change their beliefs when presented with contrary evidence, as their focus is on upholding existing beliefs rather than exploring or accepting new ones.