The perceived role of cultural diversity in the business environment

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School of Business | Bachelor's thesis
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Date

2018

Department

Major/Subject

Mcode

Degree programme

(Mikkeli) Bachelor’s Program in International Business

Language

en

Pages

24+1

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Abstract

Objectives The main objectives of this study were 1) To review and assess what is known about the case of cultural diversity in business setting. 2) To find out how diversity is perceived in a teamwork-oriented environment 3) To explore how the role of diversity could be improved in organizations. Summary 10 international business university students from a class-year of 80 students took part in one-on-one interviews. The questions were focused on the individual perceptions and experiences about multicultural teamwork, as well as questions concerning the business perspective of cultural diversity. Literature was used to define the field and the theories present in current studies. Conclusions The responses of students indicated that they view diversity as a positive long-term subject. While possible conflicts are considered, they are seen as individual issues, and diversity in itself is seen as a potential. Improvements for organization should be founded on soft solutions rather than forced diversity or affirmative actions.

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Thesis advisor

Warhurst, Russel

Keywords

cultural diversity, human resource management, international business, qualitative research

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