Diversifying Our Understanding of Diversity and Communication in Groups: Dialoguing With Clark, Anand, and Roberson (2000)

M. A. Clark, V. Anand, and L. Roberson's (2000) article is a welcome addition to the growing literature on the nature, dynamics, and effects of diversity on small groups. Their model linking diversity with communicative practices and subsequent group and member outcomes provides an important conceptual framework that can help to synthesize existing research and suggest directions for future research. This article notes the contributions and limitations of the proposed model. Concerns are raised about what constitutes diversity, how best to conceptualize communicative behavior in groups, and methodological practices appropriate for studying diverse groups. Alternative conceptual lens and methodological procedures are offered for diversifying the study of diversity and communication in groups to ensure that the process mirrors the desired outcome.