Company Employment Policies and Practices in the use of Immigrant Linguistic and Cultural Studies

Abstract

In recent years New Zealand’s immigration policy has placed an emphasis on increasing human capital through encouraging well qualified immigrants to settle in New Zealand. Apart from the qualifications and work skills that immigrants bring from their countries of origin, they also possess, in many cases, proficiency in other languages as well as an understanding of other cultures. To what extent are these linguistic and cultural resources utilised in New Zealand employment? This paper examines the policies and practices of companies engaged in the international business sector to determine the factors that influence effective use of this pool of expertise. The paper draws upon the findings of a survey of companies involved primarily in exporting and tourism, as well as follow-up interviews with selected companies. On the basis of this study, best practice features in the use of immigrant linguistic and cultural resources are identified.