An Evaluation of Racially Diverse Skilled Immigrants’ Experiences of Career Advancement in the Irish HR Industry

Alaba, Aderonke Ojuolape (2024) An Evaluation of Racially Diverse Skilled Immigrants’ Experiences of Career Advancement in the Irish HR Industry. Masters thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

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Abstract

Globalisation has dramatically underscored the importance of diversity and inclusion within workplaces around the globe, particularly enhancing organisational productivity through the diverse perspectives that come with international migration. However, despite these potential benefits, skilled immigrants frequently encounter substantial barriers in accessing employment and advancing their careers. This qualitative study investigates the experiences of skilled immigrants, focusing on their access to employment, career advancement, and the availability of support programs designed to facilitate professional growth in Ireland's HR sector. This is in the bid to fill the gap that exist in the Irish literature as there is a dearth of studies that explore the perceptions, thoughts and experiences of racially diverse immigrants, while adopting an occupation specific approach.

Data from semi-structured interviews with seven HR professionals was analysed using thematic analysis. The findings suggest that immigrants experience significant obstacles such as stringent visa restrictions, difficulty securing interviews and discrimination during interviews which impedes access to employment opportunities. Despite these hurdles, the findings suggest that with substantial effort, career advancement is achievable. Immigrants must often perform significantly better than their local counterparts to gain recognition and progress within their careers. Importantly, the research identifies the availability of structured support programs that are crucial in aiding immigrants' professional integration and advancement within the sector.

Recommendations based on the findings include policy reforms aimed at expanding the definition of critical skills, simplifying visa sponsorship processes, and improving employer education to promote more inclusive hiring practices. Future research should aim to quantitatively evaluate the impact of support programs and further explore persistent barriers, thereby improving the integration and success of skilled immigrants in the HR sector.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Supervisors:	Name Email Mothersill, David UNSPECIFIED
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management > Human Resource Management > Careers H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management > Human Resource Management > Diversity H Social Sciences > HC Economic History and Conditions > Globalisation H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management > Human Resource Management D History General and Old World > DA Great Britain > Ireland
Divisions:	School of Business > Master of Arts in Human Resource Management
Depositing User:	Ciara O'Brien
Date Deposited:	30 May 2025 09:44
Last Modified:	30 May 2025 09:44
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/7695

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