Workplace Experience and Behaviour of Nigerian Migrant Women in Canada

Abstract

African women's migration, premised on better economic and social opportunities, often faces workplace challenges of acculturation and integration in their destination country(ies), impacting their workplace behaviour, productivity, and wellbeing. However, research on Nigerian women's intersectional realities and daily workplace experiences is limited, highlighting the lack of attention given to their unique issues and behavioural adaptations as migrant women. In lieu of this, the study examined workplace related challenges and behavioural coping mechanisms employed by Nigerian migrant women for better integration in new environment. To explain the phenomenon, the study adopted Intersectionality Theory of Crenshaw and Acculturation Theory of John W. Berry. Given the upsurge of migration along Nigeria-Canada corridor, this paper employed the exploratory research design to examine the workplace experiences of 10 Nigerian women in Canada through technology, regarding the issues and approaches in adapting to workplace behaviour. Using purely qualitative research methods, and in-depth interviews, the study examined Nigerian women workers across sectors who have lived in Canada for at least a year. Findings suggested that women workplace culture such as lack of structured training, exploitation, overwork, peer resentment, indirect communication styles, and persistent racialised and gendered barriers profoundly shaped the work behaviour of Nigerian immigrant women, often in challenging ways. The study emphasises the need for more inclusive, transparent, culturally responsive workplace policies, structural reforms, adaptive leadership, inclusive evaluations, mentorship opportunities, and culturally competent HR policies in Canada to support the professional integration of immigrant women, reduce marginalisation and promote their well-being.

Keywords: Women migration, workplace cultural expectations, workplace behaviour, workplace challenges, coping mechanisms