Which of the following is a benefit of diversity for work teams?

• A. lower risk-taking
• B. more conflict with no benefits
• C. slower decision making
• D. improved returns

Answer: (D)

Diversity brings a wider range of experiences, perspectives, and skills into a team, which broadens how problems are approached and helps surface blind spots. This can lead to more innovative solutions and higher-quality decisions. When teams use inclusive communication and foster psychological safety, those diverse inputs translate into better alignment with varied customer needs and markets, often boosting performance and returns for the organization.

The other ideas aren’t inherent benefits of diversity. Lower risk-taking isn’t a guaranteed outcome, since a diversity of viewpoints can balance risk rather than reduce it. More conflict can occur, but it’s not a benefit in itself unless managed to improve decisions. Slower decision making can happen in diverse groups, but it’s not a benefit—it's a potential trade-off that effective processes can help mitigate.