UWEC CERCA 2026

This project investigates how geographic diversity moderates the relationship between cultural diversity and team mental models (TMMs). Guided by Harrison and Klein’s (2007) framework on diversity mechanisms, we conceptualize cultural diversity as an information-based resource that enhances collective understanding, while geographic dispersion may amplify information exchange demands. Using regression modeling, results show that high geographic diversity strengthens the positive association between cultural diversity and TMMs, whereas low geographic diversity weakens this effect. These findings align with information-elaboration theory and highlight that when teams span varied geographic contexts, cultural differences are more actively interpreted and integrated into shared mental structures.