Social Integration of Immigrants in the Enterprise Environment

A pillar of any business ecosystem is human resources, whose accumulation through fostering and recruiting skillful human resources can be a key factor for productivity growth and economic development. In the meantime, immigration is a type of demographic dynamics and geographic mobility of the labor force, resulting in diversification and, as a result, the birth and emergence of new ideas and the supply of the required labor force in the ecosystems accepting immigrants. This research was carried out with an exploratory mixed-methods design to identify the mechanisms for the social integration of immigrants in the enterprise environment in Golestan province.

This research is a field study in terms of data collection, a non-experimental study in terms of the control over the variables, and an applied study in terms of the objective. Methodologically, it adopted an exploratory mixed-methods design with an emphasis on quantitative instrument development. Data were collected from 15 experts using a methodology similar to the Delphi conference approach. The research was conducted in two main stages. In the first phase, 33 mechanisms were identified and ranked using the focus group method. Some of these mechanisms can be traced at the enterprise level and others at the ecosystem level. In the second phase, the identified mechanisms were categorized using interpretive structural modeling (ISM).

Based on the findings, the mechanisms were identified at 11 levels. The first level (highest level) included the mechanisms that were most effective and important (e.g., the integration of special considerations for the protection of immigrant labor in the relevant laws and regulations). The last (eleventh) level nested mechanisms that would serve as the cornerstone of immigrants' social integration, including local community tours, special counseling services, periodic events for immigrants and their families, financial aid and facilities, timely payment of salaries, the timely announcement of work termination, and encouraging coordination and cooperation of institutions for the exchange and relocation of immigrant labor. Given that the social integration of migrant labor occurs at multiple levels to enhance resilience, adaptability, and productivity, the results indicate that the identified mechanisms need to be categorized and articulated according to the relevant levels. It should be noted that this hierarchical classification does not imply a distinction or separation of actions, but rather supports the coordination between different levels to achieve the integration and social cohesion of immigrant labor.

Conclusion/ Implication:

 The findings of this research may be valuable for governmental organizations, particularly provincial labor offices in regions experiencing an influx of immigrant labor, to inform better policy-making aimed at the effective integration of immigrant labor into the business environment.