Dimensions of culture and experience of support : a cross-cultural comparison of volunteers from Poland and Uganda

Abstract

PURPOSE: International non-governmental organizations operating in Sub-Saharan Africa, due to their nature and specific dynamics, play an important role in the local community by providing social support and assistance in resolving difficult situations without involving their governments. The aim of the study was to answer the following questions: (a) What cultural differences exist between volunteers from Poland and Uganda? (b) Do cultural values influence the experience of social support, and if so, how? The relationship between values, social capital, and support networks was examined.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The study employs a cross-cultural comparative analysis based on empirical data collected from a sample of 136 volunteers, including students, teachers, and medical professionals from Poland and Uganda. Quantitative and qualitative data were examined to assess the interplay between cultural values, social capital, and social support networks.

FINDINGS: Analysis of the collected data reveals cultural differences in the perception of certain values (particularly attitudes toward time and success) and the relationship between these values and sociodemographic variables (community orientation), as well as the recognition of the negative consequences of the influence of Western values related to social capital.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The findings provide valuable insights for international nongovernmental organizations operating in Sub-Saharan Africa, enhancing their capacity to manage cross-cultural volunteer teams, optimizing social support networks, and mitigate the unintended negative consequences of introducing Western-centric values into local community structures.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE: This study fills a gap in the literature on the cross-cultural dynamics of volunteering between Central Europe (Poland) and East Africa (Uganda) by demonstrating how cultural dimensions, such as time perception and collectivism, transform social capital in developing regions.