Cross-cultural navigation in european workplaces

: how do young latin american professionals in Spain and UK perceive and navigate cultural differences?

Abstract

In a globalized workforce, cultural differences present both opportunities and challenges for professionals, particularly young Latin American expatriates in Europe. This thesis investigates how these professionals navigate workplace dynamics in Spain and the United Kingdom, with a focus on hierarchical structures, leadership styles, and communication norms. Using Erin Meyer’s Cultural Profile Assessment and semi-structured interviews with ten professionals, the study identifies significant cultural gaps between the participants' home countries and their host countries. The research reveals that while Spain shares more similarities with Latin American workplace cultures, the UK presents stark differences, particularly in communication styles, leadership expectations, and trust-building processes. Latin American professionals working in the UK struggle with the transition to low-context communication and egalitarian leadership, whereas in Spain, they find a blend of hierarchical respect and collaboration. This study contributes to the academic discourse on cross-cultural management and provides practical recommendations for multinational organizations to enhance cultural integration strategies, thereby promoting more inclusive and productive work environments.

Date of Award	14 Oct 2024
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Peter V. Rajsingh (Supervisor)