WHEN DIVERSITY BREEDS CREATIVITY – MEDIATING CULTURAL CONFLICT IN THE WORKPLACE

Abstract

This dissertation explores the connection between diversity and creativity, the effects of cultural diversity in the workplace, and if Alternative Dispute Resolution is a relevant substitute to traditional litigation procedures at work. Once this paper aims at expanding on pre-existing research and theories, based on pragmatic research philosophy and a mixed-method data collection, relevant literature has been examined and compared throughout the following chapters. Furthermore, this knowledge has also been tested against information collected from the questionnaire. The sample was optimized to be as diverse as possible, therefore the questionnaire’s results are based on the industry in general. Comparing the literature and theories with the findings given in the questionnaire has led to the conclusion that, while diversity is important to maximize the chances of creativity in the workplace, it does not often reflect well on the organisations. Whether for a lack of diversity initiatives, or lack of monitoring of the programmes, cultural diversity is still a long way from being completely successful generally in business. Moreover, it is also concluded that, while ADR has the potential of assessing cultural conflict and tension within the workplace, this area is still not explored enough to show benefits to companies. The findings and conclusions of this dissertation have been limited by pre-determined academic time constraints. Once more in-depth research or extended questionnaire could have been conducted to gather deeper information on certain aspects of the dissertation, these interpretations found at the end of this paper are sufficient to conclude that cultural diversity is a pilar in today’s modern businesses and that ADR should be widely explored as a way of assessing interpersonal workplace conflict