Gratitude in Public Policy Management: Exploring the Dynamics between the Irish Community and Asylum Seekers

Abstract: This study explores gratitude as a factor in the asylum-seeking and community relationship in Ireland, particularly through the lens of public policy. A descriptive survey approach was used in the study, comprising 203 refugee claimants from five counties within Ireland (Sligo, Mayo, Leitrim, Roscommon and Kilkenny County). The sample size was calculated proportionately by Taro Yamane's formula, and it made up 135 respondents. Data was collected by a structured interview schedule and analysed using mean, standard deviation and ANOVA with the help of SPSS (version 20.0). Asylum seekers’ expressions of gratitude. Dissonance reduction theory points to the disconnect between asylum seekers’ expression of gratitude and their actual treatment by the government in terms of policies. imprisonment. Gratitude is certainly appreciated by the Irish community, but not considered to be a determining factor in asylum or integration policy. Equally, asylum seekers acknowledge the significance of gratitude but add that it should never replace rights-based approaches. Regressions and ANOVAs (R² = .991), strong associations between asylum seekers’ opinions, community views and general satisfaction show that gratitude would only play a role as an addendum for mutual trust and legitimacy of inclusive policies. The study reports that, while gratitude is a source of positive relations, social cohesion and policy legitimacy, it needs to complement rather than replace strategies for empowerment and rights. Suggestions are made to promote spontaneous rather than coerced expressions of gratitude, build a culture of respect, guard against the instrumentalisation of gratitude and support public deliberation about issues such as gratitude, inclusion and social concord.