Intrinsic motivation a key enabler of African managers' cultural intelligence

Abstract

This study sought to determine manager's intrinsic motivation to engage multiculturally in the workplace as the managers varied by demographic background. Participants were a convenience sample of managers on supervisory level, middle level and senior level (n = 550; Male 54.9%; Black ethnicity 64.4%). They completed the Motivational Scale of the Managerial Cultural Intelligence Measure. The data were analysed by means analysis of variance procedures to determine workforce diversity ability by managerial level and other demographics. The results showed a managerial level effect in that senior managers were significantly more motivated to get information about other cultures in the work group compared to middle managers and supervisors. Supervisors were significantly more willing to change their views of other cultures with learning as compared to senior managers and middle managers. Generally, managers with a shorter employment history are more motivated to engage with multi-cultural groups compared to those with a longer service history. Managers' motivation to engage multi-culturally would enhance their competence in working with a diverse workforce and thereby embracing true democracy in the workplace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]Copyright of Journal of Psychology in Africa (Routledge) is the property of Routledge and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)