Organizational Culture in a Hungarian Refugee Camp

Mgr. Boglárka Annamária Szákovits

Master's thesis

Abstract:

The following study presents empirical research about the organizational culture of a Hungarian refugee camp. Following an overview of current refugee legislation and the most illustrative asylum statistics, the theoretical background is presented, which contains social construction and sensemaking theories within the framework of the symbolic-interpretive approach in organization theory. The research was conducted utilizing qualitative methods, such as semi-structured interviews complemented by participant observation. The analysis reveals the organizational elements, then the obstacles and resources of working in a refugee camp, and finally, it highlights the importance of symbols. According to the main findings, it is a particular challenge to perform social work efficiently in a legally framed environment, as it provides a significant obstacle for action, which might lead to the lack of motivation of the employees and therefore, the dysfunction of the organization. Ultimately, as a recommendation, the research draws attention to reevaluation of the working conditions of the refugee camp, to broaden the responsibility and decision making process of its employees.

Keywords

organizational culture, culture, refugees, refugee camp, Hungary

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 7. 1. 2014

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 28. 1. 2014
• Supervisor: doc. Bernadette Nadya Jaworsky, Ph.D.
• Reader: Mgr. Benjamin Jeremiah Vail, Ph.D.

Masaryk University

Faculty of Social Studies

Master programme / field:
Sociology / Sociology (Eng.)