Work-Related Alcohol Consumption: An Analysis of Motivators and Responses across Cultures

While research into alcohol abuse is abundant, the science of how differing cultures view and respond to mild work-related alcohol consumption has been scientifically neglected. This article displays results from surveys conducted over a 7-year period and pivots around the cultural dimensions ‘Power distance’, ‘Individualism’, Indulgence’ and ‘Interpersonal trust’ which are correlated with motivators, responses and acceptance levels of mild work-related alcohol consumption. The strongest motivator for participating in mild work-related drinking was ‘To celebrate with colleagues’, which achieved significance with all cultural dimensions except power distance, which in contrast, achieved significance with the motivator ‘To bring out the real character’ of the counterpart. Power distance also correlated strongly with negative emotions regarding the refusal of a drink when offered by a senior. Altogether, 52 correlation tests were conducted of which 18 achieved significance. We believe that a better understanding of this topic will increase the likelihood of obtaining a harmonious workplace that lessens employee misunderstandings and conflict.