THE IMPACT OF AGE AND CULTURAL DIVERSITY ON WORKING TEAMS IN VISEGRAD GROUP COUNTRIES: A HOFSTEDE'S DIMENSIONS PERSPECTIVE

In an era marked by heightened multiculturalism, the global movement of people, goods, and capital has facilitated not only the exchange but also the integration of diverse cultural practices, significantly aided by advancements in modern technology. Within this context, culture, a pervasive force, exhibits variability across different communities, notably within working teams. Utilizing the theoretical framework of cultural dimensions developed by Geert Hofstede, this study investigates the application of these dimensions within working teams, focusing on cultural and social interactions. Through a comprehensive literature review, this research delves into the complexities of working teams in relation to Hofstede's cultural dimensions, highlighting the impact of these dimensions on individuals both as independent entities and as team members. The primary aim of this study is to explore the relevance and application of Hofstede's cultural dimensions within working teams in the Visegrad Group Countries, particularly focusing on how cultural and social affiliations of team members are influenced during interactions with individuals from diverse backgrounds in corporate settings. The research uncovers that interactions within working teams are pivotal in shaping experiences with varying cultural and social groups by employing in-depth interviews conducted with employees in Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary. Notably, two-thirds of experts reported that exposure to foreign cultures within their teams enriched their professional experiences and significantly influenced their personal lives. A unique element of this study is the application of subjective coding to the interview data, utilizing Hofstede's cultural dimensions as a lens for analysis.