The application of Hofstede’s cultural dimensions at Botho University: A model for workplace harmony in a multi-cultural business environment

Abstract

Botho College staff can be categorised into eight distinct nationalities. This paper seeks to determine how Hofstede’s cultural dimensions can be applied with reference to the three dominant nationalities at Botho University namely Batswana, Indians and Zimbabweans. The findings of the research will be used to determine how different nationalities can relate and how employees and management can harmoniously co-exist and effectively handle the expectations of these dominant groups. The study used in-depth interviews as the most dominant data gathering tool. A sample of 30 staff members from the teaching staff – 10 Batswana, 10 Indians and 10 Zimbabweans were selected using the purposeful random sampling procedure. Observation was also used to examine the behaviours and perceptions of staff of these nationalities over a period of time. Research findings indicate that employees of different nationalities covered in the sample have different behaviours based on Hofstede’s five cultural dimensions.

Keywords: Culture, power distance, individualism, uncertainty avoidance, long-term orientation, masculinity