1 Introduction Diverse teams’ management is among the central issues in today’s research and practice of business administration (Robbins & Coulter 2004). This kind of work arrangement correspond to the changes in modern societies (Mousumi 2008), balances the best work practices from different sources (Harzing 2004) and is considered as essential for holistic marketing operations (Kotler & Keller 2006). One possible reason for the attractiveness of diverse teams is the promise to combine two popular managerial concepts – workplace diversity and team orientation (David 2007).
Nonetheless, in order to be effective, diverse teams must be managed carefully, as their heterogeneity may also underlie unique challenges. This paper reviews a 1995 article (“the article”)by Griggs & Louw (“the authors”), which presents a study case of unsuccessful management of a diverse team and suggests some guidelines for proper management. The article is criticised in reference to its academic qualities, as well as to its relevance as a helping tool for managers. Continue reading