‘Getting along’ or ‘getting ahead’? How urban-to-rural newcomers employed at Danfoss in south Denmark build bridging, bonding and linking social capital

Abstract

The ability to attract skilful workers to a rural area is of fundamental importance for achieving local economic growth (e.g., Aure et al., 2018). However, firms in rural areas often experience difficulties with both recruiting workers and integrating them, to ensure that they will stay long-term (e.g., Gieling et al., 2017). The specific role of a major firm in a rural area for attracting and integrating newcomers is however understudied. This is unfortunate, as such firms appear crucial for local demographic and economic growth. We contribute to fill this gap by exploring how newcomers employed at the Northern Als headquarter of Danfoss – a company with 40,000 employees worldwide that produces thermostatic and refrigeration units – are integrated in various local, family/friendship and firm-related social networks. Based on 10 semi-structured interviews, observations and 35 informal conversations, we investigate how these Danfoss newcomers build bridging, bonding and linking types of social capital (Putnam, 2000). We found two newcomer ideal types. The Bridging Newcomer was most successfully integrated in local communities. The Bonding Newcomer either participated in firm-related networks or sought company with family and close friends outside Northern Als.