Zarządzając religijnością? O strategiach radzenia sobie z różnorodnością religijną załogi na statkach morskich

Abstrakt

The article reveals the spectrum of measures taken in the context of organizing the work of deep sea vessels’ multicultural crews in terms of managing religious diversity. Authors analyse strategies for adapting to religious diversity at sea in three key dimensions: regulations and formal policies of companies, strategies developed within the organizational culture on board of the ship, and individual strategies of seafarers. Individual and group interviews with seafarers of multicultural transport ships were used as research material. The identified strategies can help develop solutions related to building multicultural communities in shore-based companies. The conducted research provides a source of knowledge about the social role of religion and religiousness in the maritime work environment. The research shows that religiosity, as a cultural component of the ship-system environment, demands intentional and professional attention. At each level of analysis, a set of appropriate strategies aimed at reducing potential tensions arising from this aspect of crew diversity becomes apparent. Religious diversity is recognized as an important element of work organization. The response to this challenge (in each of the analysed dimensions of the organization) is to be an attitude of professionalism, which includes an expectation of respect towards other crew members.