Multidimensional (Mis)Fit: A Systemic View of the Refugee Employment Journey from an HRM Perspective*

Abstract

Multidimensional fit (MDF) has been coined as “elusive” and relevant to an individual’s social identity and self-concept, unfolding over time as individuals assess their fit relative to Person-Organization, Person-Vocation, Person-Job, and Person-Team Fit. In this chapter, the literature as it relates to the refugee employment journey, MDF, and HRM practices that facilitate or inhibit MDF is reviewed. Furthermore, in this study, the process-oriented view of the refuge path highlights the complexity of their experience, noting an array of antecedents as they relate to country, host country and individual differences, interventions through NGOs, refugee resettlement agencies, and organizations, as well as the less explored entrepreneurial path. These diverse paths and the process of finding fit, and the obstacles refugees face, are viewed through the lens of shocks and reassessment of MDF throughout their journey. Finally, the study’s outcomes illustrate individual wellbeing factors, organizational level benefits, as well as community level benefits to MDF.

Citation

Gallagher, V.C., Baranik, L.E., Hamdani, M., Valcea, S., Kiratikosolrak, P. and Wheeler, A.R. (2021), "Multidimensional (Mis)Fit: A Systemic View of the Refugee Employment Journey from an HRM Perspective*", Buckley, M.R., Wheeler, A.R., Baur, J.E. and Halbesleben, J.R.B. (Ed.) Research in Personnel and Human Resources Management (Research in Personnel and Human Resources Management, Vol. 39), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 239-288. https://doi.org/10.1108/S0742-730120210000039008