| Diversity represents one of the most important issues in sport and physical activity today, and is the primary research focus of 2009 Research Consortium Scholar Lecturer George Cunningham. Through his research, differences among employees have been shown to have both positive (e.g., improved decision making, enhanced creativity) and negative (e.g., increased emotional conflict, strained communications) effects. The social categorization perspective provides one lens for making sense of these varied effects. Specifically, the potential negative effects of diversity are thought to result from inter-group bias among dissimilar others—a process that influences a number of perceptual and behavioral outcomes. However, when people can come to value differences among people and appreciate how such variation positively impacts the self and the group, then the positive effects of diversity are likely to be realized. In this case, would-be out-group members are afforded in-group status. Several studies support this reasoning and will be discussed. Specifically, this research shows that friendship potential, the presence of a common in-group identity, actively valuing diversity, and a workplace culture of diversity and inclusion all allow for the positive effects of diversity to be realized while at the same time ameliorating the potential shortcomings. Thus, sport managers should focus on the workplace culture, ensuring that it is one that promotes diversity and inclusion. |