The Impact of Workplace Diversity on Interpersonal Communication and Collaboration in Nursing Teams

Posted: Oct 20, 2023

• Zoe Turner
• Brayden Keller
• Alaina Torres

Abstract

This research investigates the complex relationship between workplace diversity and interpersonal communication dynamics within nursing teams, employing a novel methodological framework that combines computational social network analysis with qualitative phenomenological inquiry. While previous studies have predominantly focused on demographic diversity metrics, this study introduces a multidimensional diversity assessment tool that captures cognitive, experiential, and cultural dimensions alongside traditional demographic factors. Through a mixed-methods approach involving 342 nursing professionals across 12 healthcare institutions, we developed a communication synergy index that quantifies the efficiency and effectiveness of information exchange in diverse teams. Our findings reveal a paradoxical relationship wherein surface-level diversity initially correlates with communication challenges, yet teams with deeper-level cognitive and experiential diversity demonstrate significantly higher collaborative outcomes when appropriate communication scaffolding is implemented. The research introduces the concept of 'diversity threshold points' where the benefits of heterogeneous perspectives outweigh coordination costs, and proposes an evidence-based framework for optimizing team composition and communication protocols in healthcare settings. This study contributes original insights by moving beyond simplistic diversity measurements to capture the nuanced interplay between different diversity dimensions and their collective impact on team performance in high-stakes healthcare environments.