Cultural diversity and management style /

Abstract

Data on the occupational distribution patterns and education of Hispanics in the United States has revealed that the majority may be living in low socio-economic-status (SES) environments. Variance in the acculturation/socialization of persons associated with low SES environments becomes more apparent when viewed through their responses to management techniques based on SES or culturally different value systems. The dynamic that results from this ideological confrontation has been referred to as "culture clash."

The conclusions derived from this study indicate that both subject groups' reactions to participatory management was not related to their environments. This raised questions regarding the credibility of the conceptual bases upon which the study was framed and justifies the need for continued research.

The majority of Hispanics living in the United States reside in the west and southwest part of the country. The instrument for this research was specifically designed for this study and was implemented in those parts of the nation. The subject populations consisted of Hispanics who grew up in or are presently living in low SES environments and Anglo-Americans who were either raised in middle SES environments or are presently living in that milieu.

The findings of the study showed that for the subject population there was no difference between Hispanics' and Anglos' socialization/acculturation environment, racial membership and their reaction to participatory management. When variables were isolated and analyzed as to their influence upon reaction to participatory management, there were significant findings. Race, age, and gender were shown to have a significant relationship with participatory management.

The data were analyzed by two-way analysis of variance, one-way analysis of variance, Pearson Product Moment Correlation, multiple regression analysis and scattergram plots. The .05 level of significance was established as the Alpha level.