When maybe actually means no - The role of leadership in workplace inclusion among international IT professionals in Sweden

Abstract

Purpose: An increasingly common answer to labor shortage in the IT sector is labor migration. While EU countries like Sweden discuss legal and political mechanisms to attract and retain labor migrants, inclusion into the work environment is another crucial yet understudied factor to keep migrating talents. The thesis aims to analyze the expectations and experiences of IT professionals from outside the EU/EEA regarding workplace inclusion when relocating to Sweden. The role of leadership in the workplace inclusion of these professionals is the main focus. Theory: The relocation of professionals into a foreign culture makes Bourdieu’s Theory of Practice useful. The Systemic Inclusion Framework understands workplace inclusion as an endeavor that needs to be addressed on multiple layers. Workplace inclusion on a leadership level will be examined closely with the help of the concept of inclusive leadership. Method: The thesis is based on ten semi-structured, abductive interviews with IT professionals from outside the EU/EEA who work in Sweden. A thematic analysis identified topics and reoccurring patterns relevant to these professionals' workplace inclusion experience. Result: The thesis showed reoccurring challenges concerning the workplace inclusion of international IT professionals in Sweden, often due to differing norms and values. Companies must provide cultural awareness training for applicants, employees, and managers to include and retain talents from abroad. Strengthening the manager-employee relationship and a clear role understanding could create more employees' trust in their managers, thereby creating a stronger feeling of inclusion.