The Role of Human Resource Management Within the South African Public Service in Ensuring Cultural Diversity Readiness for Public Servants Dealing with Different Cultures
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Keywords

Cultural diversity training, culture shock, DIRCO (Department of International Relations and Cooperation), globalization, Human Resource Management (HRM), public sector, public servants

Abstract

As a result of a fast-changing world and work environment in a globalized public service, the public servants in South Africa are expected to adapt quickly to new conditions, problems, and changes, including dealing with different cultures and nationalities. A continually shifting setting that necessitates acclimating to a new culture can be challenging for any public worker who is expected to perform at the highest level consistently. Therefore, this article aims to determine the role of Human Resource Management departments in ensuring that all public officials are prepared for cultural diversity. This readiness can be achieved by providing public officials with cultural diversity training to increase their awareness and sensitivity to various cultures. The study utilized a qualitative methodology, and purposive sampling was used to sample a variety of documents that helped researchers establish the function of HRM departments in assuring the preparedness of public workers in South Africa for a rapidly changing world and workplace. The basis of this study is that HRM departments are responsible for training in this area. This paper contributes to the South African public sector literature by highlighting the importance of HRM departments in ensuring that all public officials are prepared for cultural diversity.

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