Leong, Terence Hian Yoong (2024) The management of low-skilled migrant workforces within the construction industry in Malaysia: conservation of resources perspectives. Doctoral thesis, Sunway University.
Full text not available from this repository.Abstract
Low-skilled migrant workers (LSMW) constituted a marginalized group that society often overlooked, despite their aspirations for improved wages and living conditions in foreign host countries. Regrettably, they frequently endured not only precarious work conditions but also discrimination based on factors such as skin color, language, beliefs, norms, and culture. This unjust treatment perpetuated the cycle of societal and economic inequalities, as organizations played a significant role in redistributing wealth among various stakeholders. Workplace inequalities affect LSMWs' emotions, causing both happiness and pain. These existing disparities further exacerbated the already dire circumstances faced by LSMW, resulting in a range of psychological and mental health issues while simultaneously depleting their limited resources. This study revolved around the Conservation of Resources (COR) theory, which constituted a pivotal lens for dissecting the amassed data. Embedded within this theoretical framework, the investigation delved deeply into the multifaceted assortment of resources attainable to LSMW, categorically segregated as material, social, and personal resources. These resources assumed a critical role in empowering LSMW to navigate the complex landscape of workplace inequalities and discrimination. Migrant workers employed a combination of silent and active coping strategies, leveraging personal, material, and social resources to navigate unfair treatment. Material resources, particularly money, played a crucial role in increasing overall happiness, with remittances and luxurious gifts to family members having a lasting impact on well-being. Some workers found solace in vacationing or working at holiday destinations, alleviating negative emotions. Significantly, a qualitative research strategy was embraced, employing the Grounded Theory methodology to intricately investigate the unique spectrum of resources available to LSMW. Grounded Theory, recognized as a systematic research approach, was instrumental in unearthing fundamental themes directly from the compiled data. This method facilitated the extraction of invaluable insights that inherently reside within the data itself. Malaysia, originally a diverse multi-ethnic population, is a developing country that heavily relied on LSMW from neighboring countries. This thesis delved particularly into the construction industry in Malaysia, accommodating the amalgamation of LSMW predominantly from Indonesia, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. Data collection process were by means of interviews with 30 LSMWs and 4 supervisors. This research contributes significantly to the literature on coping with migration and intercultural management through three key theoretical advancements: Firstly, the study provided a comprehensive narrative, shedding light on the personal, material, and social resources that assisted each ethnic group in their coping efforts and adaptation while facing discrimination and workplace inequality. Secondly, management styles were identified that were relevant and effective in better addressing workplace inequalities experienced by LSMW. Lastly, this thesis developed a framework that established a link between the management style adopted by supervisors and the coping mechanisms needed by LSMW. This framework supported supervisors and managers in providing adequate support and fostering the well-being and resilience of migrant workers. The contributions of this research extended beyond theory, offering practical implications for developing countries. By addressing the unique challenges faced by LSMW and proposing strategies for managing workplace inequalities, this study fostered positive change and promoted social justice and inclusivity in the labor market.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | inequality; COR; low-skilled; management; discriminations |
| Subjects: | H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor H Social Sciences > HM Sociology |
| Divisions: | Sunway University > Sunway University Business School |
| Depositing User: | Ms Yong Yee Chan |
| Date Deposited: | 29 Jul 2025 05:36 |
| Last Modified: | 29 Jul 2025 05:36 |
| URI: | http://eprints.sunway.edu.my/id/eprint/3241 |
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