Management challenges in a multicultural setting : the case of the Marsa open centre (Malta)

Abstract

The purpose behind this study is to explore the various challenges encountered in managing a multicultural setting within the Marsa Open Centre. This centre hosts migrant men from over twenty different countries and a multitude of different cultures and religious beliefs. The centre is managed by an NGO, namely the Foundation for Shelter and Support to Migrants, which is directed by a Ghanaian lawyer and operated by a mixed team of dedicated European and African employees, the majority of whom are Maltese. The literature reviewed looks into various documented challenges found in similar multicultural environments abroad, while also presenting some figures that offer a backdrop to this study. The methodology utilised in this study is qualitative and makes use of in-depth interviews and also adopts an auto-ethnographic approach based on my long-term experience working at the Marsa Open Centre. The interviews were held with eight participants occupying different roles within the management of the centre and originating from four different countries. By using open-ended questions, participants were free to express themselves in a more flexible manner and this helped in understanding better the challenges each role is presented with in such an environment. The challenges faced by the people managing and running this centre can be mainly categorised in terms of antisocial behaviour, migrant empowerment, education and integration challenges, health challenges, cultural diversity and communication problems. These arise due to the highly stressful situation most people are living and working with when dealing with people on the fringe, and who survived a perilous escape from hostile environments. These problems need to be dealt with in the light of multicultural diversity present in the centre while keeping in mind the fact that most problems are relatively new to Malta. Management must understand this array of dynamic variables and often needs to come up with creative solutions within a short timeframe. The research study also looks into ways in which the Foundation successfully deals with such problems and which human resource qualities, procedures and systems are required to run such a centre for asylum seekers.