From foreign to familiar – inclusion of foreign employees in Finnish workplaces
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School of Business |
Master's thesis
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Authors
Date
2024
Department
Major/Subject
Mcode
Degree programme
People Management and Organizational Development
Language
en
Pages
108+9
Series
Abstract
This thesis studied the inclusion of highly skilled foreign employees in Finland through a case study method. The aim of the study is to explore, what makes foreign employees feel included or excluded, how organizations can foster inclusion and which individual skills and resources ease inclusion. Using Bourdieu’s theory of practice, the study explored social capital, cultural capital, habitus and field to understand the dynamics of inclusion. Qualitative data was gathered from semi-structured interviews with foreign employees and HR representatives from two engineering and consulting companies. Key findings showed that social capital in the form of positive interactions with colleagues and managers are crucial for inclusion, while limited and negative interactions lead to exclusion. Additionally, recognition from colleagues and managers, along with meaningful assignments that build cultural capital, contribute to feeling valued. Organizations can foster inclusion through non-discriminative practices, inclusive language policies and inclusive leadership. Barriers included limited availability of information in English and career advancement favoring native Finns. Language skills, work-related skills and social networks can ease foreign employees’ inclusion. Similar experiences were reported across both case companies.Description
Thesis advisor
Katila, SaijaKeywords
inclusion, diversity, foreign employees, Bourdieu