Developing a Culturally Sensitive Orientation Model in a Multicultural Workplace
Asare, Irene (2025)
2025
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025120934199
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025120934199
Tiivistelmä
The aim of this study was to investigate cultural aspects encountered by employees during orientation in a multicultural workplace and to explore how a culturally sensitive orientation model can be developed in the workplace. The objectives of the study were to explore orientation experience of employees, identify the benefits and challenges of working in a multicultural team and to improve cultural competence of employees. The study was conducted in a small housing unit for children with intellectual disabilities. The unit is run by Rinnekodit Oy which is part of the Helsinki Deaconess Institute. The unit was chosen for this research because of its culturally diverse employees.
Due to labor shortage in Finland especially in health and social sectors, many organizations are seeking to fill these shortages by recruiting employees from abroad, leading to diversity in the workplace. For these diverse teams to function effectively, it is important to have orientation programs that incorporate cultural awareness and sensitivity into their orientation process.
Qualitative research was applied using open-ended questionnaires in English and Finnish. Thematic analysis was used in analyzing the data, by identifying themes related to employees’ multicultural experiences during orientation. All the employees of the unit were invited to participate in the study, and eighteen out of twenty-three employees gave their consent to participate.
The study found out the importance of effective communication, language and recognition of cultural backgrounds as important aspects of a culturally sensitive orientation process. The research findings also highlighted the benefits and challenges of working in a multicultural workplace.
The outcome of the study is an orientation model that integrates legal, cultural and social dimensions of orientation, with the aim of promoting inclusion, effective teams and enhance organizational effectiveness.
Due to labor shortage in Finland especially in health and social sectors, many organizations are seeking to fill these shortages by recruiting employees from abroad, leading to diversity in the workplace. For these diverse teams to function effectively, it is important to have orientation programs that incorporate cultural awareness and sensitivity into their orientation process.
Qualitative research was applied using open-ended questionnaires in English and Finnish. Thematic analysis was used in analyzing the data, by identifying themes related to employees’ multicultural experiences during orientation. All the employees of the unit were invited to participate in the study, and eighteen out of twenty-three employees gave their consent to participate.
The study found out the importance of effective communication, language and recognition of cultural backgrounds as important aspects of a culturally sensitive orientation process. The research findings also highlighted the benefits and challenges of working in a multicultural workplace.
The outcome of the study is an orientation model that integrates legal, cultural and social dimensions of orientation, with the aim of promoting inclusion, effective teams and enhance organizational effectiveness.