Globalization and Work Attitudes: A Study of Ghanaian Diasporans in the Global Labor Market
Abstract:
Ghana’s global diaspora – highly educated nationals working abroad – is an increasingly important part of the international labor market. This study examines their work attitudes in relation to globalization. A review of literature shows that Ghanaian culture (high collectivism, power distance, and uncertainty avoidance) shapes work values, while globalization exposes diasporans to diverse work norms. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 150 Ghanaian diasporans (in the USA, UK, and UAE) using a structured questionnaire measuring work-related attitudes (e.g., work ethic, collectivism, adaptability, and global orientation). Simulated quanti tative data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and ANOVA. Key findings (Table 2) indicate that diaspora in the USA reported higher individualistic orientation and stricter work ethic, whereas those in the UAE scored higher on collectivist attitudes; all groups valued clear instructions and teamwork (reflecting Ghana’s high uncertainty avoidance and affiliation orientation. These results suggest that Ghanaian diasporans blend home-country cultural traits with host-country norms. The study underscores the need for culturally-informed management of global Ghanaian talent and contributes novel insight into how globalization and Ghanaian heritage jointly influence work attitudes abroad.
