Stakeholder management strategies of the South Ostrobothnia Chamber of Commerce in processes related to work integration of non-Finnish talents
Valerija, Hirvilammi (2024)
2024
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024061122818
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024061122818
Tiivistelmä
Lack of skillful labor force has been topical for the past few years both in Finland as well as in the region of South Ostrobothnia. On the other hand, the number of non-Finnish talents available for employment has been steadily increasing. Previous research has shown that although various companies in the region have ntended to expand their business and need skillful employees, their position towards hiring non-Finnish workers is quite reserved.
There are numerous organizations in the region whose activities are versed to promote the idea of the work integration of immigrants among the companies. The aim of this development-oriented thesis has been to provide suggestions for improving the stakeholder management strategies of the South Ostrobothnia Chamber of Commerce in relation to processes and projects aimed at promoting the work integration of non-Finnish talents residing in the Region of South Ostrobothnia. This was achieved with the help of stakeholder management theories (dynamic capabilities and power versus grid analysis) as well as in-depth interviews with 14 stakeholder representatives.
During the research and data analysis, it was established that there is an acute need for the improvement of stakeholders’ cooperation and communication in projects related to the work-integration of non-Finns. The interviews helped reveal stakeholders with a high level of power but low-level interest in the topic in question; problems and challenges such as lack of control and communication were discussed; future scenarios were drawn and, as the result of the analysis, a set of recommendations for the Chamber of Commerce were presented. It included suggestions, among others, on strengthening cooperation with cities and municipalities as well as business associations (both local and regional). It was concluded that the activities of Talent Hub, one of the main initiatives aimed at promoting the work integration of non-Finnish talents, should be empowered by inviting companies with authority and recognition onto its board.
There are numerous organizations in the region whose activities are versed to promote the idea of the work integration of immigrants among the companies. The aim of this development-oriented thesis has been to provide suggestions for improving the stakeholder management strategies of the South Ostrobothnia Chamber of Commerce in relation to processes and projects aimed at promoting the work integration of non-Finnish talents residing in the Region of South Ostrobothnia. This was achieved with the help of stakeholder management theories (dynamic capabilities and power versus grid analysis) as well as in-depth interviews with 14 stakeholder representatives.
During the research and data analysis, it was established that there is an acute need for the improvement of stakeholders’ cooperation and communication in projects related to the work-integration of non-Finns. The interviews helped reveal stakeholders with a high level of power but low-level interest in the topic in question; problems and challenges such as lack of control and communication were discussed; future scenarios were drawn and, as the result of the analysis, a set of recommendations for the Chamber of Commerce were presented. It included suggestions, among others, on strengthening cooperation with cities and municipalities as well as business associations (both local and regional). It was concluded that the activities of Talent Hub, one of the main initiatives aimed at promoting the work integration of non-Finnish talents, should be empowered by inviting companies with authority and recognition onto its board.