The shifting identity of the professional workforce in Australian organisations : the Indian immigrant experience

Abstract

To a large extent research on diversity in organisations has centred on the persistence of gender inequality. Relatively few studies deal with the racialised character of many professional workplaces, especially in the Australian context. This research critically examines the experiences of perceived discrimination, exclusion after inclusion, and prejudice faced by immigrant Indian professionals in Australian organisations. It focuses on the challenges of emotional labour as it can be difficult to conceal true emotions and to display the emotions required by the job. Embroiled in this conflict between the required and true emotions, job burnout and stress may occur. The present research examines the adjustments and struggles faced by immigrant Indian professionals and whether these factors also play a role in their integration within organisations. The principle research question which drives this research is: Are immigrant Indian professionals vulnerable to prejudice and discrimination as well as exclusion after inclusion in Australian organisations and does prejudice and discrimination as well as exclusion after inclusion have an impact on emotional labour? In particular my research goal is to analyse the perceived experiences, if any, of inclusionary and exclusionary organisational practices and how they impact the emotional labour of immigrant Indian professionals. Discrimination and exclusion is difficult to measure and, as such, researchers rely on respondents' perceptions. Although there may be a difficulty in assessing whether perceptions of discrimination are representative of actual discriminatory actions, whether the perceived discrimination is 'real' or not, it is an important psychological reality for immigrants. Perceived discrimination has strongly and consistently been found to be a psychological stressor (Mirchandani 2003). Drawing on a qualitative approach I have used in-depth interviews to reveal the stories and experiences of immigrant Indian professionals to Australia. A major element driving my choice of research design is the assumption that many of the exclusionary practices which may take place are informal and may include a collection of interpersonal dynamics and institutional practices that set up advantages for some employees but disadvantages for others. I have sought to gather data that is often veiled and hidden, intentionally or otherwise. I have attempted to explore whether stereotyping of and exclusionary practices toward immigrant Indian professionals persist in Australian organisations outside the framework of formal policies and regulation. This thesis does not examine policies of organisations per se, but focuses on the experiences of immigrant Indian professionals and their perceptions of practices that may persist regardless of policy. The findings indicated that, due to tougher legislation against discrimination in the workplace, it now exists in subtle forms in Australian organisations. This includes ridicule, withholding information, social isolation, passing remarks and making unfair accusations, each causing the ethnic minorities a lot of stress. The data indicates that the interviewees perceive that there is a devaluation of their skills, knowledge and qualifications, at a time when the country is in competition with other migration nations for scarce and in-demand human capital. With the increasing diversity in the work environment, Australian organisations need to make proper adjustments regarding worker's interests and needs, and to make sure the work environment is equitable and inclusive. This study will allow better recognition and understanding of the dynamics of the Indian Diaspora in Australia and the dynamics of their inclusion in Australian organisations. The Australian workplace continues to become more ethnically diverse at all levels of occupation, with people from ethnic backgrounds making up considerable additions to the workforce. However, the examination of exclusionary or discriminatory practices and the relationship between work stress, acculturation and its impact on emotional labour has not been well researched. Many of the reports of discriminatory practices towards Indians or stigmatisation on the basis of accent, skin tone or national origin are anecdotal in nature and this study, especially by conducting interviews with immigrant Indian professionals, seeks to better comprehend and elucidate such practices as perceived by these professionals, and their impacts on Indian professionals in Australia. This will provide organisations with information to improve the alignment between organisational discourse and organisational practice. It is expected that the findings generated by this study will encourage and promote greater awareness and understanding so that the immigrant Indian professionals may be better understood and served.

Date of Award	2014
Original language	English