In luck we trust: Capturing the diversity bonus through random selection

Journal of Organization Design

Chengwei Liu¹ 

[1] European School of Management and Technology, ESMT Berlin, Berlin, Germany;

关键词: Random selection;    Diversity bonus;    Luck;    Decision biases;    Paradox of merit;    Learning traps;   

DOI  :  10.1007/s41469-021-00100-8

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

Complex tasks often cannot be addressed with expertise, but instead by assembling a diverse cognitive repertoire in teams. In such cases, engaging diversity may enhance performance. Yet various behavioral and social limits often deter organizations from recognizing or integrating valuable diversity. I argue that random selection is an undervalued tool for capturing the diversity bonus because it helps address: (1) the paradox of merit, by avoiding fruitless deliberation; (2) biased reasoning, by deciding on the basis of no reason; and (3) learning traps, by discovering self-confirming false beliefs. More generally, incorporating random selection in organizational design can generate a less-is-more effect: deciding by blind luck means exercising less control over outcomes but achieving more by saving time and resources, as well as detecting and sanitizing biased reasons.

【 授权许可】

CC BY