Gustav Tinghög and Michael Kirchler

Project summary

What is actually happening? A study of tensions in the management of cultural diversity

Today, the concept of diversity encompasses many dimensions, including gender, ethnicity, age, sexuality, religion and disability. National culture has also become an aspect of diversity. All these categories are expressions of cultural diversity. Cultural diversity is based on the idea of tolerance for cultural differences, with the aim of improving organisational performance. Recent research, however, suggests that dominant theories and practices of cultural diversity management are, paradoxically, unethical because they confine people to fixed categories. In doing so, they deprive individuals of their humanity and make it difficult to establish respectful relationships based on fundamental humanistic values.

 

The research project aims to study what actually happens in organisations that actively seek to develop approaches to managing cultural diversity. Using ethnographic methods, the project examines how employees and managers deal with cultural diversity in their everyday work. The study also focuses on employees’ views and expectations regarding issues of cultural diversity, thereby exploring whether cultural diversity can be managed on a strong ethical foundation.

 

The project seeks to develop new knowledge about approaches to cultural diversity management that are both respectful and ethically grounded.