Developing and testing a framework for understanding refugees' job search processes
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
ISSN: 2040-7149
Article publication date: 30 November 2021
Issue publication date: 26 April 2022
Abstract
Purpose
This article outlines the development of the Refugee Job Search Process Framework (RJSPF), which was created to help identify barriers that refugees face when trying to find employment. The framework incorporates an interdisciplinary, multi-level approach to the job search, delving into research from migration studies and Industrial/Organizational psychology to outline factors that exist on both the side of the refugee applicant and the organization at each stage of the RJSPF. The authors also tested the RJSPF with Syrian refugees and service providers in Canada to examine the validity of each component of the model.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors used a semi-structured format to interview refugees and service providers on their experiences in either trying to find employment or helping their refugee clients with the job search process. After transcribing the interviews, the data were independently coded, quantified, and analysed using Nvivo software to validate the RJSPF.
Findings
The majority of the RJSPF either had high or moderate support from the interviews. The authors also identified 6 broader themes using thematic analysis, which include language fluency, credential recognition, Canadian experience “catch 22”, cultural incongruencies, employer exploitation, and mental health for successful employment.
Originality/value
The RJSPF is a new integration of disparate theories of job search experiences in a literature that lacks an organizing framework and perspective on the unique challenges refugees face in this area compared to other newcomers. In doing so, the authors use an interdisciplinary, multi-level approach that extends the nomological network of barriers facing refugees, therefore informing future research and practice.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This research was funded by a University of Calgary Faculty of Arts Seed Grant titled “Examining Refugee Employment Experiences”. The authors would like to thank the research assistants Lobna Al-wadeiah (recruitment, interviews and translation) and Ioana Petriman (data analysis) for their valuable contributions to this project. The authors would also like to acknowledge and thank the settlement service provider organization partners for their contributions to the research.
Citation
Boss, H.C.D., Lee, C.S., Bourdage, J.S. and Hamilton, L.K. (2022), "Developing and testing a framework for understanding refugees' job search processes", Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Vol. 41 No. 4, pp. 568-591. https://doi.org/10.1108/EDI-01-2021-0031
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited