5-star (by local norms) : group dynamics in a luxury Sub-Saharan resort

Abstract

This thesis is a monograph about a Sub-Saharan 5-Star resort. It is based on 22 loosely structured ethnographic interviews, field notes, a series of artifacts and pictures, all collected during a 10-day field trip to the given location. After describing the various workplace activities at the resort, the study focuses on interactions between local and expatriate staff members looking specifically at the working conditions of these two groups, the expression of local culture at the workplace, and the impact of intra-group beliefs on the meaning of authority within the employee community.