Experience in employing immigrants and the perception of benefits of a diverse workforce

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to present the employers’ perception of challenges and opportunities resulting from the presence of immigrants on the labour market, and to show how experience in employing immigrants (or the lack of it) influences the employers’ perception of benefits and challenges of having a cultural diverse workforce. Design/Methodology/Approach: Therefore, two groups of organizations were subject of analysis: those employing and those not employing immigrants. The paper discusses the results of a survey conducted among 400 Polish employers from the construction sector. The research was based on the Allport’s contact theory. Findings: The results show a statistically significant difference between organisations employing and not employing immigrants in regard to the perception of benefits, as well as the future demand on immigrant workforce. In contrast, there were no significant differences between organisations employing and not employing immigrants as to their perception of barriers. Practical Implications: The research shows that through positive attitudes, organisations may support the process of spreading acceptance towards immigrants Originality/value: The conducted research contributes to the existing knowledge by presenting the differences in the perception of immigrant workforce by organisations employing and not employing a diverse, immigrant workforce by showing that experience in employing immigrants affects the employers’ perception.