Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Diversity Increases Group Decisionmaking Ability

Writen by Rick Weaver

A recent study by Tufts University scientists looked into the impact of diversity relative to juries. As reported by the United Press International, the study looked at decisions made by all-white juries in decisions made by a diverse jury of blacks and whites.

The study looked strictly at all-white versus black-and-white juries and made no apparent attempt to involve other national or racial cultures.

According to the study, diverse groups made fewer factual errors relative to the evidence in when errors were made they were more likely to be identified as errors.

The Multicultural Business Council (www.mbc-usa.org)has long supported the body of knowledge that states diversity will enhance decision-making ability.

"The more diversity you can get in any decision-making team will increase your chances arriving at the best possible decision," points out Rick Weaver, Chief Operations Officer of the Multicultural Business Council. "By involving people with different life experiences, you're most likely get people to look at different possibilities when examining conclusions and solutions. This is not to say that you want a large group, it is simply to say that the more diversity you can recruit the more likely you are to consider options that a single cultural group may not even have considered."

The Multicultural Business Council has always included diversity exercises when training organizations on team building skills, decision-making skills, and problem-solving skills. In these classes participants quickly understand the need for diversity if they are to be successful. Experiential learning methods prove to the participants that it is not simply necessary to work together as a team, but to make sure the team is comprised of a solid blend of unique backgrounds and experiences.

Rick Weaver is an accomplished business executive with a wealth of experience in retail, market analysis, supply chain enhancement, project management, team building, and process improvement.

Rick career began in retailing as a stockclerk, eventually becoming the Director of Vendor Development at Kmart Corporation during it's heyday. In this position he worked with hundreds of Kmart's suppliers to improve mutual processes, procedures, and profits.

As a consultant, Rick has worked with companies in various industries to develop leadership and business strategies. As an entrepreneur, Rick has founded or co-founded six successful organizations, including non-profit and for profit. Now in his role as president of MaxImpact, Rick uses his vast experience helping individuals connect to their dreams and teams connect to a common vision.

Rick's presentation style of blending humor, real life examples, and easy to implement ideas has made him a popular speaker at seminars, workshops, and conferences in in 43 states, Canada, and Puerto Rico.

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