Migrants’ Perspectives of Managerial Career Progression: Lessons from Australia

Abstract

Very little attention has been paid on career progression of migrants in management for male and female, white and non–white (minority) migrants, particularly those from non-English speaking backgrounds. Migrants do not have considerable presence in upper management positions commensurate with their numbers in the general workforce. This paper identifies factors that act as barriers and facilitators influencing migrants’ career progression in management positions. Qualitative study interviews twenty migrant managers to examine their personal experience in career progression. Findings indicate that career progression of migrants varies depending on their categorization as immigrants or members of the dominant in society, influenced by perceptions of warmth and competence in the migrants. Findings highlight that human resource management practices need to be aware of unconscious biases and potential discriminatory practices in employment and career progression decisions for migrants.