Workplace inclusion policies and practices for ethnic minorities: a comparative analysis of the United Kingdom and Thailand

The UK and Thailand both have significant minority ethnic migrant populations in the labour force. The effectiveness of workplace inclusion policies and practices at reducing discrimination and inequalities in both countries has been assessed and a comparative analysis performed. Minority ethnic migrants, an employer, and Human Resources (HR) experts (n=13) were first interviewed in each country to collect qualitative insights into the experiences of migrants. A questionnaire was then completed by both British and Thai natives (n=50) to collect quantitative data on their perspectives of their countries’ policies towards migrants. Quantitative results were analysed to determine if previously identified factors cause workplace discrimination and inequalities. To help explain human perspectives, outcomes were evaluated using Best Practice, Best Fit, Microaggressions, Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and Social Norms theoretical and analytical frameworks.

Analysis revealed that inefficient immigration systems in both countries were the primary barriers to successful migration and, alongside poor Quality of Work Life (QWL), had long-lasting negative effects on the careers of migrants. These two areas have been neglected in past HR studies. Using the findings, updated inclusion policies and practices were proposed to improve the QWL for migrants. Increased inclusivity in the workplace can ensure fairness for both natives and migrants, allowing the talents of employees to be realised and ultimately giving businesses competitive advantage. This is important for both organisations and individuals.

The increasing diversity of people in workplaces demonstrates the relevance of this research. This work combined an exploratory mixed method, an inductive approach, and a dialectical materialism viewpoint and is believed to be the first such example in a HR study. Furthermore, to the best of our knowledge, a comparison of inclusion policies and practices in UK and Thai workplaces has not been previously performed.