Exclusion Experiences of Highly Qualified Migrants: From Overt Discrimination to Subtle Microaggressions

Abstract We conducted a qualitative interview study exploring the exclusion experiences of 130 highly qualified migrants in Germany and made a surprising discovery: Contrary to dominant narratives, our interviewees report only minimal instances of overt discrimination. At the same time, our data reveal the prevalence of subtler forms of exclusion, which recent research conceptualizes as microaggressions. Thus, our study underscores that the absence of overt discrimination does not equate to an inclusive environment. Next to revealing the relevance of microaggressions, we show how migrants experience them, why their experiences can differ, and how they react to them. Particularly, we find that the negative experience of microaggressions can be related to an undermined sense of belonging, entitlement, and inclusion in majority country and working contexts. We further disclose that the following dimensions affect migrants’ experiences of microaggressions: context, (first or second) generation, (non-)recognizability of foreign background, and cultural identity. By highlighting that microaggressions are crucial for understanding exclusion of highly qualified migrants and providing detailed information around experiences and reactions, this paper integrates and contributes to two growing discourses relevant to business ethics research: migration as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion. Based on our analysis, we further propose solutions that are pertinent for managers, employing organizations and societies at large in their efforts to create inclusive environments for migrants.