An Investigation Into Western Tech Executive’s View of Cultural Diversity in the Workplace and the Implications for Individual Team Members

Schlosser, Erin (2019) An Investigation Into Western Tech Executive’s View of Cultural Diversity in the Workplace and the Implications for Individual Team Members. Masters thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

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Abstract

As technology companies become more international and culturally diverse, it is essential that they actively seek to capitalize on the benefits that a heterogeneous environment offers. Literature agrees that workplace diversity is growing, and it presents new opportunities and challenges for organizations. The purpose of this study was to explore the implications of cultural diversity on the workplace. More specifically, due to gaps in relevant literature, the study analyzed the perspectives of eleven technology industry executives from western cultures on their ideas about the challenges and benefits of having a diverse work environment. The executives were from the US and UK and were evenly divided by gender (5 women, six men). The executives were asked to describe real life examples of challenges stemming from cultural diversity as well as behavioral practices they would look for in employees who are on a diverse team. The eleven executives were interviewed over the phone. The interviews lasted on average thirty minutes and they were audio recorded so that thematic analysis could be performed. Transcription was assisted by the use of and artificial intelligence (AI) tool. With thematic analysis, data was transcribed, coded and themes were highlighted. Key findings included five behavioral best practices for employees to handle working in a culturally diverse and international environment: communication, openness, relationship building, respect and do-your-homework. Communication was described by the participants to be the source of most challenges as well as their favored resolution. Cultural conflict was very lightly sited versus miscommunication as a problem source. This was surprising in light of the literature review and provides a promising area for further study and the development of specific behavioral recommendations for managers and team members.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management > Human Resource Management > Diversity H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management > Human Resource Management H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > Specific Industries > I.T. Industry H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > Specific Industries > Multinational Industries
Divisions:	School of Business > Master of Science in Management
Depositing User:	Caoimhe Ní Mhaicín
Date Deposited:	23 Oct 2019 12:18
Last Modified:	23 Oct 2019 12:18
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/4025

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