Managing unskilled migrant workers in the sme sector: a study of managers in Australia

This thesis examines the perspectives of managers of unskilled migrant workers in Small to Medium Enterprises (manufacturing firms). Interviews were conducted with managers and regulators. The managers reported frustrations emerging in their dealings with some migrant workers, with several situations developing into multi-faceted problems for ongoing periods. Several managers were found to be inept in their management skills and attitudinal differences emerged between senior- and middle-level management. Continued problems were experienced by managers of migrant workers yet to adapt to local work expectations. The thesis enhances understanding of some of the problems faced by managers and highlights the importance of training for both managers and migrant workers.