Program
Organizational Leadership M.A.
Year Approved
2016
First Advisor
Zalanga, Samuel
Abstract
We are living in a world of ever-increasing diversity. It is diversity in general, but also diversity specific to the aspect of people. People are engaging one another across culture, language, race/ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, abilities, and class. In some ways, the world has become smaller. One can be sitting in South Africa, and engaging people through social media throughout the world. Facebook has made our world smaller. However, in and amongst our growing diversity there are continued social factors of prejudice, lack of human rights, and warring nations because of their differences, for example the difference of faith, and cultural practices. We have people fleeing their countries of birth to access countries where they believe they will find refuge. In South Africa social divides within the workplace, faith sector, and communities have become increasingly complex. It is therefore the attempt to look specifically within a South African context as it relates to the lack of social cohesion, inclusivity, diversity, transformation and inclusive culture. In delving into the South African situation, as a country noted for its troublesome apartheid years, its glorious birth of democracy, and then its continued developing democracy complexities and hardships, it provides quite a dynamic place and space in which to elicit learning that may offer valuable learning to South Africa, Africa, and our 21st century world. The approach and methodology is interdisciplinary and draws from resources that span the knowledge base, gained from youth work, biblical and theological studies, reconciliation studies, political science, and organizational leadership, makes an interesting read and learning exercise for the reader. Using interdisciplinary studies, social science and art of portraiture, critical pedagogy, and secondary data analysis will provide valuable insights in building an inclusive workplace culture. There are case studies or projects that speak to the practical learning of a practitioner working in a rich diversity of organizations that highlight experiential learning, and recommendations to inform the building of inclusive workplace culture. The result of the research and project paper arrives at valuable insights, critical thinking, and a body of knowledge that will inform the assignment and continued work of building inclusive workplace culture. In conclusion, the research and project paper uniquely highlights the need for courageous leadership in the space and place of transformation, inclusion and building an inclusive workplace culture. This work will be of value to practitioners, social change mobilizers, and leaders who desire a more inclusive culture and social environment in their workplaces of life.
Degree Name
Organizational Leadership M.A.
Document Type
Masterʼs thesis
Recommended Citation
Naicker, S. (2016). Building an Inclusive Workplace Culture: With Special Focus on the South African Context [Masterʼs thesis, Bethel University]. Spark Repository. https://spark.bethel.edu/etd/456
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