Cultural Differences on Work Relations in Chinese Companies Operating in Ghana : A Cross-Cultural Study of Chinese and Ghanaian Workers

Employees' cultural values and characteristics have significant impact on work values and outcomes. Due to the strong economic ties between China and Ghana, several Chinese companies establish their branches in Ghana, and employ Ghanaians to work with them. However, the role of cultural values on Chinese-Ghanaian work relationship has not been investigated. Through a qualitative lens, we investigated cultural influence on the working relationship of Ghanaians and Chinese at a Chinese company in Ghana. The study was conducted at Asogli Thermal Plant using case study. This is one of the biggest Chinese companies in Ghana and also has a large proportion of both Chinese and Ghanaian workers. A total of 18 participants were interviewed and data was analysed thematically. We found that Ghanaians and Chinese staff at the Thermal Plant are sometimes unable to have a collective discourse on their needs due to language barriers. Also, cultural interpretation of politeness denied them many avenues to form a strong workers’ cooperation to seek their mutual needs. These differences affect their collaboration and bonding as co-workers. To foster collaborations and good cooperation between Chinese and Ghanaian co-workers, managements of such companies are advised to implement an intentional mechanism that reduces the impact of cultural differences on work relations. Such organisations need to train all staff intermittently on diversity, inclusion, cultural values of Ghana and China in order to help staff cultivate versatility, awareness, and acceptance of alternative values