Working in a different culture: how does this affect an individuals experience of work
Abstract: The aim of the research was to explore for possible effects of cultural dimensions on people's perceptions and feelings of their work situation. A phenomenological approach was followed, in which the participants answered an open-ended question about their work situation and the responses were analyzed with MCA-Minerva where the individual's life-worlds were made visible and discussed. Four themes were looked at: social relationships, acculturation, leadership and group/teamwork. Participants from individualistic countries more often spoke of their role and achievements while those from collectivistic countries focused more on the relationship with colleagues and how they work together as a group. Those working for Swedish organizations showed surprise regarding the low power-distance. Swedish participants reacted to the great power-distance in France and the UK. Regarding acculturation it turned out that those who changed both management culture and country experienced the greatest difficulties and seemed to lack sufficient social relationships more than others. Those who solely worked for a foreign company and those who had a managerial position felt most comfortable in their role.
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