An Exploratory Survey of the Impact of Organisational Culture on Onboarding of Culturally Diverse Workforce in Children Camps

Abstract

This exploratory research investigates the impact of organizational culture on the onboarding of a culturally diverse workforce in children's camps. Organizational culture, shaped by leadership styles, plays a crucial role in influencing employee behaviour, development, and overall performance. In this study, Schein’s (1990) model of organizational culture, which categorizes elements like group norms, espoused values, and symbolic rituals, serves as the theoretical framework to assess how culture affects the onboarding process in environments characterized by diversity. Onboarding is critical in fostering employee engagement and integration, particularly in culturally diverse settings where individuals come with varying expectations, values, and behaviors. Leaders play a pivotal role in shaping and reinforcing organizational culture during onboarding. Transformational and participative leadership styles are shown to positively influence culture by promoting innovation, collaboration, and mutual respect, essential for integrating a diverse workforce. Conversely, laissez-faire leadership, marked by minimal guidance, may lead to disengagement and hinder the onboarding process, particularly in environments requiring cohesion and clarity. The research also explores how employees validate managerial efforts to create a positive work climate and improve retention through questionnaires. These questionnaires assess the effectiveness of leadership in fostering a culture that supports employee engagement, job satisfaction, and retention. By examining employee feedback, the study provides insights into how managerial efforts directly impact the creation of a positive work environment and retention of a diverse workforce. Additionally, the study investigates the mediating role of organizational culture between leadership styles and onboarding effectiveness. A positive and inclusive culture can enhance the onboarding experience by aligning the diverse workforce with the organization's values and goals. The external environment, including the dynamic nature of children’s camps, also shapes how culture evolves and influences onboarding. The findings will offer valuable insights for camp administrators and leaders on fostering a supportive and inclusive culture that promotes the smooth integration of a diverse workforce and improves retention through effective leadership practices and positive work climate formation.