Across four experimental studies, we consistently find that participants select and include as many women as men into their work teams, independently of the presence of gender diversity statements encouraging work in gender diverse teams. Interestingly, prior work experience with gender mixed teams matters, in particular for women, as having more experience of work in gender mixed teams increases the impact of the statement on inclusion. Overall, these results yield positive news about gender equality in work teams, as the creation of gender-fair teams occurs spontaneously - also with no diversity statement in place. Effects on inclusion depend to some extent on the decision makers’ gender and personal diversity experience, indicating that diversity initiatives may still be important to reach diversity goals.
