The perceived cultural differences between the Maltese and Slovakian employees within a working environment

Abstract

The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the lived experience of the cultural differences between Maltese and Slovak employees within a working environment. Three Maltese and three Slovak employees working in Ramla Bay Hotel participated in semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed through Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Four super-ordinate themes emerged: (a) Empowerment; (b) Working Environment; (c) Gender Preferences and; (d) Behaviour. The study’s findings highlight that the perceptions of workers from both countries differ from one another in certain situations, however, results also show that in some situations both countries’ workers show the same behaviour. Exploring cultural differences through the employees’ experiences has generated more awareness of the cultural differences that exist in the work place.