Фокус групи за изследване на етническа толерантност в бизнессреда
Focus groups in studying ethnic tolerance in business context

Summary/Abstract: Due to its complexity and delicacy, the study of intercultural sensitivity from the viewpoint of obtaining in-depth, adequate, reliable and valid information has always been and still is a challenge to empirical social research. Мany researchers in this subject area consider the difficulties in studying cultural and ethnic differences. Despite multiple attempts, just few of them describe methods of elaborated inquiry of the influences of in-depth experiential and communication processes on indicators of ethnic tolerance/discrimination in work settings. One of the most employed methods for scientific research in this area is conducting Focus groups. This method provides an appropriate strategy for studying the wide variety of intercultural interactions, including the ethnic tolerance dynamics in organizational environment. Quite often, when it comes to ethnic tolerance research themes, the data retrieved through the usual interviewing and survey methods remain superficial and with questionable validity and reliability due to self-protective and self-enhancing response styles of participants. With the development of procedures for conducting Focus groups, this method emerges as one of the most effective in the multicultural research context. By its essence it provides both a reflective space for collective insights identification throughout the ongoing group interactions, and at the same time preserves and registers the implicit individual preferences of participants in the group discussion. The paper aims to present the method of working in Focus groups and to reveal the main principles and advantages of its utilization in collecting valid research data in the study of ethnic tolerance/discrimination in business context.

• Details
• Contents