Culture shocks encountered by Spanish expatriates in UK Hotels: Adapting to British working culture
“My dissertation explores the culture shocks experienced by Spanish expatriates working in UK hotels, focusing on how they adapt to British workplace culture. This research is fundamental as the hospitality industry heavily relies on international staff, particularly in the hotel industry. Understanding these cultural dynamics can improve employee integration, satisfaction, and retention. The findings offer practical insights for HR teams and hotel managers to create an inclusive and supportive work environment in a multicultural setting, in addition to providing Spanish expatriates planning to work or currently working in a British hotel with information regarding the cultural differences they may experience and how best to navigate them. Through qualitative interviews, key differences between British and Spanish working culture in the hotel industry were identified, including communication barriers, differences in management styles, and contrasting attitudes towards hierarchy and formality. This research also contributes to the understanding of different methods hotels may use to support Spanish expatriates in adjusting to their new work environment.”
Read the full dissertation by Natasha Anderson, BA (Hons) International Business Management