In a world that prizes creativity and innovation, understanding how diverse experiences shape our ability to think and act differently has never been more critical. However, diversity here isn’t just about representation; it’s about functional diversity — the kind that drives new ideas, perspectives, and solutions. A 2017 research by Lu et al. (2017) explores how close intercultural relationships promote creativity, workplace innovation, and entrepreneurship. This work underscores the potential of cultural learning as a tool for individual and organizational growth.
Why Functional Diversity Matters
Functional diversity emphasizes differences in thought, experience, and approach, enabling teams and individuals to tackle problems from multiple angles. Unlike surface-level markers of diversity, functional diversity fosters collaboration and innovation by challenging cognitive biases and broadening perspectives. Lu et al. (2017) demonstrate that close intercultural relationships—whether friendships or romantic partnerships—serve as powerful engines of this kind of diversity, driving creative thinking and entrepreneurial outcomes.
Key Insights from the Research
1. Intercultural Relationships Enhance Creativity
The study’s first two investigations reveal how intercultural relationships spur creativity:
- Study 1: A longitudinal analysis of MBA students over ten months found that those engaged in intercultural romantic relationships performed better on both divergent (idea generation) and convergent (problem-solving) thinking tasks. The implication? Exposure to different cultural frameworks helps break mental molds, encouraging more flexible and innovative thinking.
- Study 2: Using an experimental approach, the researchers established a causal link: Reflecting on intercultural dating experiences led to higher creativity compared to intracultural experiences. Importantly, cultural learning mediated this effect, highlighting how active engagement with different cultures expands cognitive boundaries.
2. Intercultural Experiences Boost Workplace Innovation
In professional settings, the benefits of intercultural relationships persist:
- Study 3: Employees with longer durations of past intercultural romantic relationships were better at generating creative solutions, such as naming marketing products. Duration, rather than quantity, emerged as a key factor, suggesting that deep, meaningful intercultural interactions are most impactful.
- Study 4: Among 2,226 professional repatriates from 96 countries, those who maintained frequent contact with American friends after returning to their home countries exhibited higher workplace innovation and entrepreneurial tendencies. This underscores the lasting impact of cultural learning in fostering professional growth.
The Role of Cultural Learning
What’s the common thread in these findings? Cultural learning. Intercultural relationships expose individuals to new norms, values, and problem-solving methods, fostering a mindset that thrives on novelty and adaptability. By stepping outside their cultural comfort zones, individuals learn to navigate ambiguity and integrate diverse perspectives, key drivers of creativity and innovation.
Harnessing Diversity in Learning and Development
For individuals and organizations, these findings carry actionable lessons:
- Encourage Intercultural Collaboration: Teams with diverse cultural backgrounds are more likely to generate innovative solutions. Facilitating cross-cultural partnerships can enhance both personal and professional creativity.
- Promote Deep Engagement: Surface-level exposure to diversity isn’t enough. Organizations should foster meaningful, sustained interactions across cultural lines through mentoring programs, international assignments, or collaborative projects.
- Invest in Cultural Learning: Whether through travel, language learning, or intercultural training, developing cultural competence can unlock creativity and adaptability, skills essential for navigating a rapidly changing world.
Beyond the Box
The work of Lu et al. (2017) reminds us that diversity isn’t just a social ideal; it’s a functional imperative. Close intercultural relationships challenge us to think differently, break out of cognitive ruts, and embrace new possibilities. By “going out” with someone from a different culture, we don’t just step out of our comfort zones; we step into a world of creativity and innovation—a world where diversity delivers.
Reference Lu, J. G., Hafenbrack, A. C., Eastwick, P. W., Wang, D. J., Maddux, W. W., & Galinsky, A. D. (2017). “Going out” of the box: Close intercultural friendships and romantic relationships spark creativity, workplace innovation, and entrepreneurship. Journal of Applied Psychology, 102(7), 1091–1108. https://doi.org/10.1037/apl0000212
