Abstract

Title: We are equal. A study of cultural differences and professionalism in international projects.

Level: Thesis for Master Degree in Business Administration.

Author: Zahra Ahmadi

Supervisor: Lars Ekstrand

Date: 2012-05

The purpose of my study is to analyze and examine it well-educated people can reduce the cultural differences in interaction with other actors around the world. Part of aims study surveys and analyzes to understand how educated people can communicate and facilitate communication in order to achieve the goals and motivation in international collaboration. Problems can arise from cultural differences in connection with that persons face in society and in international collaboration. In this study, I assume theoretical framework that exists in cultural and communication theme and professionalism to find common objectives within educated groups.

Method: The purpose of this study, I have chosen to use a qualitative approach. I have conducted interviews with people who work internationally within the company Sandvik and with teachers at the University of Gävle who have worked abroad with teaching. In order to depict how well educated people working in international collaborations, I have seen qualitative research method as relevant. When analyzing the material I have been based on the hermeneutic interpretation in order to elucidate and compare respondents' views on professionalization and the importance of understanding and managing cultural differences in an international context.

Conclusions: The study shows that highly educated people have a major impact on communication with other people. Professionalism in an international collaboration that is characterized by complexity and knowledge, can thus affect both cultural differences andcommunication in itself. Although personal values differ between different national cultures in terms of language and different ways of working individuals try to adapt to each other in international collaboration. In most cases there are cultural differences that contribute to difficulties in co-operation once, but the study shows that highly educated people solve complexity by applying their knowledge of how problems can be handled. This requires that educated people are aware of the culture, way of interpreting meanings in different contexts, have insight on the institutional structures and rules. Professional people can thus both facilitate communication and leadership, which can contribute to a positive attitude to achieve the objectives of collaboration.

Suggestions for future research: It may be proposed in the future, a comprehensive study of well-trained groups that meet in different countries. Quantitative can be used methods in both the public and private sectors. It is possible to conduct a quantitative study and compare with qualitative studies and draw conclusions.

Contribution of the thesis: This study helps to get an attractive understanding of how educated people meet in both the public and private sectors in an international project. My theoretical contribution consists of knowledge in two professional international Swedish organizations. I complement and expand knowledge in the fields of culture and professionalism.

Despite cultural differences, the professionals communicate regardless of the culture and society they come from. The study can be used by different companies to develop and improve the relationship in an international project. In addition, the study shows that educated people encounter respect and have easier communication than non-educated.

Keywords: Culture, Communication and Professionalism