The journey of a newcomer : a perspective of newcomers facing an international company in Norway and the Norwegian society

Abstract

Key Concepts: Integration, diversity management, integrity, culture, globalization, family values, short-term integration, long-term integration Background: The ongoing globalization has brought workers tighter in what seems to be a new global working environment. Statistics Norway assumes that Norway will consist of 1,7 million people originating from immigration in 2060. Problem: The many newcomers are expected to bring their own cultural values, as well as experiences, when facing a new cultural environment in the host country. How is a newcomer’s integrity to be kept “intact” when faced with new challenges in conflict with one’s own personal values? Purpose: The main purpose of this thesis is to investigate the thriving of newcomers facing a new working, as well as cultural environment, being recently employed by an large company in Norway. Research Mythology: The research process is to be conducted by a qualitative approach. The research will be conduct by seven respondents in a large Norwegian company: two Norwegians holding management positions and five “newcomers”. The interviews will be in-depth, structured and performed by a combination of the Problem Centered Interview and a Semi-Structured Interview Findings: The findings may be summed up in the final preliminary framework suggested by the author. The framework explains the observed relationships, divided into short-term and long-term integration. Conclusion: The picture of integration is complex and may be influenced by several factors, both external and internal. The company may provide activities and language-courses, but to be able to integrate in a new society, the main factor is to have an initiative and willingness to become integrated.