Acculturation strategies and work-related attitudes in emigration

Abstract

Objectives: Globalization and open borders in Europe has led to an increased migration of the workforce in European countries. In many cases people migrate to the country with a different dominant culture than their own. Previous research had shown that different acculturation strategies can have different implications for immigrants' well-being. Yet, relatively few studies have investigated how acculturation strategies of migrant workers relate to their attitudes towards work and organization. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between immigrants' acculturation strategies and their work-related attitudes. Method: 487 Lithuanian migrant workers in various European countries participated in this cross-sectional study. Three acculturation strategies, general job satisfaction and organizational commitment were assessed by self-reported scales. Results: Results showed that higher levels of assimilation significantly predicted higher job satisfaction and affective commitment. And higher levels of integration predicted higher continuance commitment. On the other hand, higher levels of separation significantly predicted lower job satisfaction and affective commitment, and higher continuance commitment. None of acculturation strategies significantly predicted normative commitment. Conclusion: Assimilation is more positively and separatism - more negatively related to immigrants' work-related attitudes. The acculturation strategies of immigrant employees may be an important factor for HR specialists to consider when making HRM decisions