Reconstructing the Bicultural Worker within Health and Human Service Organisations

Abstract

ABSTRACT Limited literature considers the role and contribution of bicultural workers in Australia. This article explores how bicultural workers are constructed by social workers within health and human service organisations, through the lens of Whiteness. Eight White social workers participated in this multimethod qualitative study. Data were analysed using a critical approach to narrative analysis. The findings suggest that bicultural workers can be constructed as inferior and of less value than other employees, and as a “resource” to be “used” within organisations. These findings are consistent with previous literature, which highlighted how bicultural workers, or similar, are treated and how they experience workplaces differently to other employees within mainstream White Western organisations. It is concluded that we need to reconstruct the bicultural worker role in a way that meaningfully privileges their expertise, skillset, and diversity. IMPLICATIONS Social workers’ constructions of bicultural workers appear to relate to what expertise is privileged within the West. Cultural othering of bicultural workers may contribute to diminishing their role and the credibility and capabilities of organisations. Ensuring bicultural workers receive career pathway progression and professional development could help facilitate their repositioning within organisations.