Group creativity in context: multilevel effects of linguistic and cultural diversity

This article introduces a novel approach to studying the effects of linguistic and cultural diversity on group creativity. A theoretical model of ecological diversity is adapted to the group level, distinguishing between intra-individual diversity (the variety of experiences and skills within an individual) and inter-individual diversity (differences among group members). To test this model, a quasi-experimental design was implemented with 116 groups of 2 to 4 participants collaborating on three distinct creative tasks. Results indicate that group creativity is largely independent of both individual creativity and intra-individual diversity. The influence of inter-individual diversity yielded mixed outcomes: cultural differences among group members negatively affected creativity and cohesion, whereas linguistic differences had a positive effect. In multivariate analyses, however, group creativity was primarily determined by group cohesion, group size, and the average intelligence of members. Overall, the findings suggest that inter-individual diversity plays a more important role than intra-individual diversity, linguistic diversity is more beneficial than cultural diversity, deep cultural differences are more valuable than surface-level traits, and visible cultural diversity may require strategies to strengthen cohesion, such as reducing team size.