The Impact of Cultural Differences on Teamwork among Faculty Staff at Gaborone University College of Law and Professional Studies (GUC) in Botswana

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume IV, Issue IX, September 2020 | ISSN 2454–6186

The Impact of Cultural Differences on Teamwork among Faculty Staff at Gaborone University College of Law and Professional Studies (GUC) in Botswana

Upenyu Chiparo

Director of Academics, Gaborone University College of Law and Professional Studies, Gaborone, Botswana

Abstract: Teamwork is an important aspect of work systems in a higher education institution where sharing of ideas and resources among faculty enriches the academic experience of learners. As universities and colleges in Botswana draw their faculty staff from different countries, it is imperative to investigate the impact of culture differences on teamwork among faculty staff in higher education institutions. This qualitative study was conducted at Gaborone University College of Law and Professional Studies (GUC). Data was collected through email questionnaire from twenty faculty staff of different nationalities in four departments. Data analysis was aided by the use of Nvivo Pro 11 qualitative data analysis software. The study found that, factors like differences in vernacular language, differences in approach to work and respect to deadlines, differences in the level of interpersonal interactions between opposite sex members, and differences in acceptable leadership styles affect teamwork among faculty staff. The study also found that, faculty staffs of GUC respect their cultural differences; they accommodate and trust each other although the above barriers to teamwork were prevalent. The study recommended effective implementation of cultural diversity management policies to guide the staff in their formal and informal interactions in order to improve teamwork among faculty staff in GUC.

Key terms: Teamwork, Faculty Staff, Culture Diversity, Work Ethics

I. INTRODUCTION

The diversity of faculty staff’s cultural backgrounds creates a rich learning environment for students; however, it comes with challenges on teamwork. This is due to the different patterns of behaviour, beliefs and value systems that each person brings to the institution.

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