Cultural diversity and moral behavior among selected university students in Zanzibar

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Date
2013-12
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Kampala International University; College of Humanities and Social Science
Abstract
The study was carried out in Zanzibar Universities, Tanzania with the following objectives: To determine the profile of respondents; to determine the level of cultural diversity; to determine the level of moral behaviors; and to examine the relationship between the two variables. The study utilized a descriptive survey research design, in particular descriptive correlation. Data was collected through questionnaires and analyzed by using Pearson's linear correlation coefficient. Two hundred four respondents constituted the sample size. The findings of the study indicated that majority of respondents (Students) were in the age range of 31-40 years with 41% and Lecturers were in the age range of years 31-40 with 68.8%. Majority of respondents (students) were male (59.6%) and male lectures 62.5%.Majority of the students and lectures possessed bachelors and masters with (55.1 %) and (60.4%) respectively, In working experience 47.9% of lecturers had an experience of 5-6 years. The level of cultural diversity was high, with an overall mean of (2.65), the level of moral behaviours is high, overall calculated (2.80).The level of cultural diversity and level of moral behaviors are significantly correlated (Sig value= 0.015). The researcher concluded that cultural diversity was rated high, hence concluding that the University students highly use different languages, beliefs, values and knowledge. Level of moral behavior was generally rated high and this was indicated by the average mean (mean=2.80), therefore concluding that the University students in Zanzibar are well disciplined. The researcher recommends that the University of Zanzibar should embrace and appreciate cultural diversity within the institution, there should be a representation of all regions of countries in terms of cultural diversity with the senior administration staff, senior academic staff, teaching staff and the student's body. The researcher recommended that the University of Zanzibar in particular should support the development of policy and strategies at individual university level that addresses elements of difference, such as gender, disability, and ethnicity, this will help to reduce on moral degeneration among students, the University lecturers and students should be aware of the varied cultures, behaviour, and expectations of the different groups and sub-cultures on campus and how they interact with each other and should be more equipped in order to manage such diversities, the University should provide opportunities for discussions on diversity and its challenges, this will benefit both new and continuing lecturers and students by discussing challenges related to the multicultural academics and social space at the university.
Description
A thesis presented to the College of Higher Degrees and Research Kampala International University Kampala, Uganda in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Art in Human Resource Management
Keywords
Cultural diversity, Moral behavior, University students, Zanzibar
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