Abstract
M.B.A.
The 1994 democratic elections in South Africa implied transformation that expected
to see all the South African citizens trying to make democracy work. This included
government institutions making way for a non- racial government where people of
different cultures were expected to work together in order to deliver a service to a
South African diverse population.
The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of cultural diversity on working
relations in a physiotherapy department of a South African government hospital. A
qualitative research approach was followed with focus groups (N=11) and one- onone
interviews (N=4) conducted with members of the physiotherapy department.
Data were analysed by categorising it into thoughts and later into themes.
Results showed that cultural diversity has an effect on working relations of different
racial groups. In addition, cultural diversity is also influenced by religion, education,
language and upbringing. Recommendations for further research were made.