Language Barriers for the migrant population in the Workplace
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Authors
Riedel, María de los Angeles
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Degree
Master of Applied Management
Grantor
Southern Institute of Technology
Date
2023
Supervisors
Akhtaruzzaman, Akhtar
Type
Masters Dissertation
Ngā Upoko Tukutuku (Māori subject headings)
Keyword
Language barriers
Miscommunication
Migrant
Work performance
Overcoming language barriers
Miscommunication
Migrant
Work performance
Overcoming language barriers
ANZSRC Field of Research Code (2020)
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Abstract
Language barriers are a phenomenon that affects migrants regardless of their origin or social status. Cultural adaptation and communication difficulties have repercussions not only on a personal level but also in the workplace. Through ten interviews, this study set out to investigate how these barriers affect the confidence and work performance of migrants in Invercargill, New Zealand. It also sought to corroborate how migrants overcome language barriers and what kind of support they receive in the workplace. The methodology used in the study was interviews and a thematic approach was used for the data analysis. The findings corroborated how language barriers have a negative impact on workers' confidence and self-esteem and this in turn affects their productivity and performance. It was also found that formal support provided by companies is very limited, while support for migrant workers, whether from co-workers or managers, is limited to emotional support or the use of everyday tactics to facilitate communication. Future research is suggested in different industries and cities in New Zealand to broaden the knowledge of understanding language barriers experienced by migrant workers and thus provide migrant-recruiting companies with valuable information to consider when employing foreign workers who use English as a second language.
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CC BY-NC Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International