Seeking information across borders: exploring cognitive acculturation needs of low-skilled Bangladeshi migrants in Selangor, Malaysia

Purpose This study aims to explore both home and host country-related cognitive needs that low-skilled Bangladeshi migrant workers in Selangor, Malaysia, sought on social networking sites for acculturation. It also explored how they used various platforms to find different needs. Design/methodology/approach This phenomenological case study analysed interviews with low-skilled Bangladesh migrant workers working in the service sector in Selangor Malaysia using thematic analysis. Findings The findings demonstrate that participants sought information about their native and new countries, signifying attempts at improved integration as described in Berry’s model of acculturation. However, they showed greater interest in information about their home country than the host country, reflecting a desire to maintain continuous connections with their roots. They most frequently sought political updates pertaining to Bangladesh, attributed to ongoing instability, followed by local language resources aimed at work-related needs. Despite social networking sites (SNS’s) potential as a tool for relocation, participants do not frequently search for necessary relocation information, including housing, medical services, financial services, etc., owing to strong pre-existing support networks from ethnic communities. Research limitations/implications Current study has certain limitations; a comparative study might show how variations in the job sectors, culture and religion affect the cognitive needs seeking behaviours and the use of social networking sites to meet acculturation needs. Practical implications This study would assist organisations that work for low-skilled migrant workers both from Bangladesh and Malaysia to update resourceful information as well as provide online courses, specific training on the aspects of local cultural knowledge, cross-cultural training, self-development programmes for migrant workers. Originality/value While past studies have primarily focused on host country-centred cognitive needs that migrant population sought on SNS for acculturation, this study concentrated on home-country contexts as well.