Effects of Diversity on Group Decision-Making Processes: The Moderating Role of Human Resource Management

Past empirical studies have demonstrated that differences among group members may have both positive and negative effects on decision-making processes. As direct models have failed to explain such intricate consequences, recent work has begun to propose models that are more complex by including mediating and moderating variables. In general, the literature has assumed that the extent to which differences between members benefit group decisions depends on certain conditions in the unit, especially its management. Drawing on a literature review, we find that the human resource management system can be one of these moderators. Using the estimates of a structural model, we discuss how certain choices in the definition of human resource policies can help the organization to improve decision-making processes in diverse groups.