Promoting workplace inclusion and self-efficacy among skilled migrant workers in Australia
International Journal of Manpower
ISSN: 0143-7720
Article publication date: 16 August 2022
Issue publication date: 18 April 2023
Abstract
Purpose
Although skilled migrants have a high capacity for integration, many report experiences of exclusion which impacts their ability to contribute fully to the host country. This experience of exclusion, which can diminish their self-efficacy at work, is especially acute for skilled migrants from non-English speaking backgrounds when functioning in a new or exclusionary environment. In this paper, we explore the relationship between workplace inclusion and self-efficacy and identify factors that contribute to perceived inclusion for skilled migrant workers.
Design/methodology/approach
Participants were recruited through social network groups representing migrant workers via LinkedIn. Through snowball sampling, participants were asked to recommend recent (3–5 years) skilled migrants to participate. A total of 210 skilled migrant workers to Australia completed the survey. Structural equation modelling (SEM) is used to test our model on the relationship between inclusion and self-efficacy.
Findings
Migrants' perceptions of inclusion at work are related to their self-efficacy at work. We also find that some dimensions of inclusion are more important than others in enhancing self-efficacy for skilled migrants. Meaningful exchanges with supervisors, a sense of belonging at work and workgroup cohesion (being accepted by co-workers) are more important than senior management support or getting involved in organizational social activities as determinants of perceived inclusion.
Social implications
Although skilled migrants are often assumed to be a self-select group of highly motivated, high achieving workers, many experience poor adjustment and feel excluded after arriving in the host country. Public policies have limited effects in promoting inclusion of skilled migrant workers in organizations. These policies may be supplemented with an inclusive organizational climate to improve migrant worker success. Organizations and employers are thus critical partners in fostering migrant workers' sense of inclusion and supporting the career outcomes of skilled migrant workers in the host country.
Originality/value
This study supports the link between perceived inclusion and self-efficacy among skilled migrant workers. It also sharpens the evidence of organizational-level factors that contribute to perceived inclusion for migrant workers.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Preparation of this manuscript is supported in part by the Social Sciences Humanities Research Council of Canada Insight Grant 435-2016-1227 and the Smith Professorship in Equity and Inclusion in Business at Queen’s University.
Citation
Ng, E.S., Rajendran, D. and Waheduzzaman, W. (2023), "Promoting workplace inclusion and self-efficacy among skilled migrant workers in Australia", International Journal of Manpower, Vol. 44 No. 2, pp. 267-282. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJM-01-2022-0044
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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