Department of Conflict Resolution Studies Theses and Dissertations

Date of Award

2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Department

Halmos College of Arts and Sciences - Department of Conflict Resolution Studies

First Advisor

Ismael Muvingi

Second Advisor

Neil Katz

Third Advisor

Elena P. Bastidas

Keywords

Conflict Resolution, Immigrants, Inclusion, Organizational Culture, Technology

Abstract

In a time characterized by an increasingly diverse U.S. labor force, immigrants have emerged as a vital yet often overlooked segment. As the workforce landscape evolves and employers seek to expand their Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DIB) initiatives, understanding the unique challenges and perspectives of immigrant employees becomes crucial for fostering equity and inclusion in the workplace. The existing literature reveals a significant gap on workplace experiences of immigrant employees, particularly Latinx immigrants employed in the technology industry. Grounded in social identity theory, systems theory, and equity theory, this study adopts a phenomenological approach to understand how Latinx immigrant employees perceive and navigate the impacts of DIB efforts in the workplace, their encounters with conflict situations related to the implementation of DIB efforts, and the meaning of these experiences for them. Fifteen Latinx professionals participated in this qualitative research, providing rich insights into their lived experiences through semi-structured interviews. Study findings reveal that Latinx professionals perceive a need to further develop workplace practices that prioritize conflict resolution guidance, cultural competency, career development support, and inclusive human resources practices. These findings not only contribute to a deeper understanding of the immigrant experience but also offer insights for organizations navigating the complexities of initiating and maintaining DIB efforts in the workplace.

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