Applying an Asiacentric communication model to explore the experiences of Indian skilled migrants in New Zealand workplaces : a thesis submitted to Massey University in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Business

Abstract

Globalisation is the norm in the 21st century with global citizens moving around the world for a range of reasons such as work, education, and better opportunities. A significant change in demographics has meant that intercultural communication is no longer an option but has become a crucial component of interactions between people from different cultures. This change is not reflected in the communication frameworks that inform education, workplaces and policymakers which are predominantly US/Eurocentric frameworks. While this has been mentioned and acknowledged, real efforts to build alternate communication frameworks have been limited. In recent years Asiacentric communication research has developed due to the works for scholars such as Chen and Starosta 2003; Chen and Miike 2003; Chen 2006; Gunaratne 2008, Miike 2002, 2006, 2007, 2016, 2017, 2019; Miike & Yin 2022. This study aims to add to Asiacentric communication research by researching the experiences of Indian skilled migrants in New Zealand workplaces through the lens of an Asiacentric communication model, Sadharanikaran, an Indian model of communication. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect detailed accounts of participant experiences. Reflective Thematic Analysis was used along with the Sadharanikaran communication model for analysis of data. Themes regarding the barriers faced by Indian skilled migrants in New Zealand workplaces were identified from the data. The themes are maintaining harmony, indirect Indian ‘can’t say no’ and Indirect New Zealander ‘too polite’, quiet at first – voice, management intercultural communication competence, and racism. Analysis of skilled migrant experiences using the Sadharanikaran communication model allowed for the Asian communicator and Asian practices to be at the centre of inquiry. The findings aligned with the Asiacentric communication model, this shows that all the communication behaviours found although very different from US/Eurocentric communication was well within the scope of competent Asiacentric communication.