A Qualitative Study on the Perception of Cultural Diversity in the Workplace among Blue-Collar Shipyard Employees

Year 2025, Volume: 9 Issue: 18, 267 - 285, 30.09.2025

İlker Afacan , Gönül Ozbag

https://doi.org/10.29064/ijma.1745339

Abstract

The principal aim of this study was to examine the perceptions of blue-collar individuals working in the shipyard sector on cultural diversity in the workplace. In the present study, semi-structured face-to-face interviews, representing a qualitative research method, were utilised, and a total of 12 participants were interviewed in depth. A thematic analysis approach was employed to analyse the data, with the analysis being divided into six main themes: belonging, perceptions of discrimination, in-group relations, daily work hierarchy, diversity policies and psychological safety. The findings indicate that despite the absence of overt conflict or discrimination related to cultural differences among employees, there is a prevalence of micro-level exclusion, cliquishness and favoritism in daily interactions. Furthermore, the absence of diversity policies at the institutional level hinders the establishment of an inclusive working environment. The research emphasises that cultural diversity should be considered not only as a demographic difference, but as a dynamic that extends throughout the organisational structure.

Keywords

Shipyard , blue collar , cultural diversity , diversity management , perception of diversity.

Mavi Yakalı Tersane Çalışanlarının İşyerinde Kültürel Çeşitlilik Algısı Üzerine Nitel Bir Araştırma

Abstract

Bu araştırma, gemi inşa sektöründe mavi yakalı çalışanların çalışma ortamlarındaki kültürel çeşitlilik algılarını incelemek amacıyla yürütülmüştür. Çalışmada, nitel araştırma yöntemlerinden yarı yapılandırılmış yüz yüze görüşme tekniği kullanılmış; toplam 12 katılımcıyla derinlemesine görüşmeler gerçekleştirilmiştir. Tematik analiz yaklaşımıyla elde edilen veriler, altı ana tema çerçevesinde değerlendirilmiştir: aidiyet, ayrımcılık algısı, grup içi ilişkiler, günlük iş hiyerarşisi, çeşitlilik politikaları ve psikolojik güvenlik. Bulgular, çalışanların çoğunlukla kültürel farklılıklara dair açık çatışma ya da ayrımcılık yaşamasa da gündelik etkileşimlerde mikro düzeyde dışlanma, klikleşme ve kayırmacılıkla karşılaştığını ortaya koymaktadır. Ayrıca, kurumsal düzeyde çeşitlilik politikalarının eksikliği, kapsayıcı bir çalışma ortamı oluşturulmasını zorlaştırmaktadır. Araştırma, kültürel çeşitliliğin yalnızca demografik bir fark olarak değil, örgütsel yapının tümüne yayılan bir dinamik olarak ele alınması gerektiğini vurgulamaktadır.

Keywords

Tersane , mavi yakalı , kültürel çeşitlilik , çeşitlilik yönetimi

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