Effects of the Challenges in Multi-Cultural Setting on Project Performance: The Case of Msf Holland in Ethiopia
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Date
2022-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
MSF Holland, being one of the influential medical humanitarian organizations, has been providing humanitarian assistance for more than half a century. The main objective of this study is to examine the effects of the challenges of working in a multicultural setting on project performance looking at the case of one of MSF sections (MSF Holland) in Ethiopia. The study conducted covered 4 out of the 6 projects being implemented in Ethiopia. The study used both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. The methodology to conduct the research was based on interview and questionaries’ for the primary data, and documents from MSF Holland and research papers for the secondary data. The study uses both Exploratory and descriptive methods. Survey questioners were sent to all the targeted population (100 participants) in order to get a reliable data on the experiences of MSF Holland’s employees working in a multicultural setting. In addition, higher level employees (managers and coordinators) where presented with interview questions in order to get a more detailed information and explanation on the research question. The gathered quantitative information was then analyzed using descriptive statistics by SPSS software. The qualitative data is analyzed using content analysis. The major findings of the study showed that the major challenges MSF Holland is facing are potential conflicts among its staff due to the difference of culture, delays of work due to the time needed to integrate the team members and language barriers. Even if the challenges seem major in their potential to affect the project performance, the study shows that the challenges were tackled in a way that project performance is not compromised. The researcher recommend that MSF Holland periodically evaluate the effect of the challenges of its multicultural setting so it doesn’t affect project performance. In addition it is recommended that MSF Holland encourages and empowers its staff to work in a multicultural teams and are willing to learn from each other. Most importantly, the researcher recommends that MSF Holland focuses on having a policy or a procedure on how to deal with issues created due to its multicultural nature.
Key word- Project Performance, Tolerance, multicultural setting, MSF Holland