Cultural Influence on Language: a closer look at the conceptual word 'partnership' and its meaning in organizations in Sierra Leone and the Netherlands.

Abstract

Research on the concept of partnership appears to be scarce, even though the subject is significant for organizations involved in international partnerships. Earlier studies by researchers, such as Meirovich and Mannion, only show how efficient partnerships are created and how to form solid coalitions. A possible difference in the meaning of the concept of partnership is left aside. Yet, arguments are made that people develop concepts based on the language they speak and language is influenced by culture. Therefore, partnership can mean something different for people from various cultures and in various contexts. This thesis will look the conceptual word 'partnership' and its meaning in organizations in Sierra Leone and the Netherlands. An experiment was conducted to find out in what way professionals of non-profit organizations, without any notable international experience, in different countries define partnership, and to what extent this definition corresponds with their cultural values.