Os desafios da diversidade cultural nas organizações

: um exercício autoetnográfico sobre o caso da Techworld

Abstract

This auto-ethnography (AE) is a reflexive endeavour on the influence of cultural diversity over the design and implementation of Human Resources (HR) policies and practices in multinational organisations. The auto-ethnography allows for a pragmatic relationship between the contribution of academic research and professional and organisational contexts. It is an analytical, reflexive and interpretive research method that includes the author's autobiography and cultural analyses and interpretation in specific contexts. This method allows the researcher to actively participate in the study, thus connecting the personal (self) to the cultural (ethnos) and placing the author within a social context. Cultural diversity is a contingency factor in human resource management (HRM). For example, HRM practices, generally successful in western countries, risk rejection from employees from other cultures. Issues like holidays, vacations or connecting cameras in videoconferences trigger different reactions due to different values and lifestyles. Hence, practices that seem rational, universal and efficient can become destructive and a source of conflict. This auto-ethnography enabled the author to raise awareness of the impact of cultural diversity on her professional practice. It also provides guidelines for other professionals working in multicultural organisations.

Date of Award	6 Jul 2022
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Maria Isabel G. G. Castro Guimarães (Supervisor) & Eva Dias de Oliveira (Co-Supervisor)