What does it mean to be multicultural? Exploring the perspectives of international graduates of English-language management programs in Poland

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Authors
GoliƄska, Agnieszka
Monograph
Monograph (alternative title)
Date
2026-02-09
Publisher
Journal title
Qualitative Research in Organizations and Management
Issue
Volume
Pages
Pages
DOI
ISSN
1746-5648
ISSN of series
Weblink
https://www.emerald.com/qrom/article-abstract/doi/10.1108/QROM-02-2025-2944/1339903/What-does-it-mean-to-be-multicultural-Exploring?redirectedFrom=fulltext
Access date
2026-02-11
Abstract PL
Abstract EN
Purpose - This study explores the meaning of being multicultural among international graduates of English-language management programs in Poland. Additionally, it examines how these individuals perceive the opportunities and challenges their multicultural identity brings to their professional lives. Design/methodology/approach – Eleven participants took part in two waves of semi-structured interviews, conducted two years apart, during which they created cultural identity maps as part of a reflexive interview exercise focused on their multiple cultural identities. Findings - Most participants identified as bicultural or multicultural, though they differed in how certain they were about being multicultural and how they interpreted its meaning. Some strongly embraced their multicultural identity, while others viewed it as a dynamic process shaped by their environment and life experiences. Moreover, interviewees predominantly viewed their multicultural identity as beneficial in professional settings, highlighting enhanced adaptability, improved communication skills, and advantages in cross-cultural business interactions. Several graduates demonstrated cultural variability, consciously adjusting aspects of their cultural identities depending on the context, which served as a professional asset. However, some participants faced challenges related to adaptation or issues tied to gender and religion. Originality/value – These findings suggest that multicultural identity can serve as a strategic toolkit in professional settings, empowering individuals to navigate diverse workplace environments. However, its expression may be shaped by various social factors and organizational contexts. Practical implications - The study offers recommendations for educational institutions to developmulticultural competencies and for organizations to create enabling conditions that leverage the unique capabilities of multicultural employees.
Abstract other
Keywords PL
Keywords EN
multicultural identity
acculturation
qualitative longitudinal study
international graduates of management
Keywords other
Sustainable Development Goals
SDG 8. Decent Work and Economic Growth ,
SDG 4. Quality Education
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URI
https://share.swps.edu.pl/handle/swps/2178
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cc-by-nc
Except as otherwise noted, this item is licensed under the Attribution-NonCommercial licence | Permitted use of copyrighted works
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Grant/project name
Badanie podƂuĆŒne strategii akulturacyjnych międzynarodowych studentĂłw zarządzania w Polsce
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Golińska 2026 AAM What does it mean to be multicultural.pdf(488.01 KB)
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