Diversity of Perceptions of Disability in the Workplace vs. Cultural Determinants in Selected European Countries.

Dorota Kwiatkowska-Ciotucha,Cyprian Kozyra,Alicja Grześkowiak,Krzysztof Polak,Urszula Załuska,Marzena Żurawicka

doi:10.3390/ijerph19042058

Abstract

The perception of people with disability (PwD) is of key importance for the full inclusion of this group in the labour market. The article presents selected results of research on the perception of PwD in the workplace. The analyses are based on the results of semiotics research conducted in Poland and of quantitative study in the form of computer-assisted Internet interviews (CAWI) carried out on representative samples from eight European countries. Opinions of Internet users were collected in Belgium, Bulgaria, Greece, Spain, Germany, Poland, Sweden and Great Britain. The results of semiotic analyses on texts mainly from Polish culture made it possible to identify the prevailing images of disability in Polish popular culture and inspired the authors to seek diversity in perceptions of disability depending on social and cultural patterns in a given country. The results of the international survey were used to compare all eight countries with regard to the relationship between the dimensions of culture according to G. Hofstede, and openness to people with disability in the workplace. The conducted research indicates that the perception of the issue of disability is significantly related to the selected dimensions of culture according to G. Hofstede.

Highlights

Attitudes towards employing people with disability (PwD) have already been studied from many perspectives, both from the point of view of employers [1–10] and their potential coworkers [11–16]
First and foremost, it is necessary to take into consideration factors present within the enterprise that may be influenced by employers, such as disseminated knowledge and experience in employing PwD, developed organisational culture and infrastructure ensuring adaptation to the needs of PwD
Lower power distance translates into a better social atmosphere of understanding the needs and possibilities of people with disability

Summary

Introduction

Attitudes towards employing people with disability (PwD) have already been studied from many perspectives, both from the point of view of employers [1–10] and their potential coworkers [11–16]. Browsing various sources it is difficult to find an answer to the question of what really shapes such attitudes of employers and potential coworkers, and how it increases openness towards PwD in the workplace. First and foremost, it is necessary to take into consideration factors present within the enterprise that may be influenced by employers, such as disseminated knowledge and experience in employing PwD, developed organisational culture and infrastructure ensuring adaptation to the needs of PwD. Openness towards PwD in the workplace meets the attitude displayed by PwD themselves, shaping the experience and future attitudes of employers and coworkers. Active (despite limitations) or passive (despite the opportunities in the labour market) attitudes

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Results

Discussion

Conclusion