Employment-related information-seeking behaviour of South Asian immigrant women in Finland

Introduction. This study examines the employment-related information-seeking behaviour of immigrant women, focusing on the challenges they encounter in accessing information and the consequences of these challenges. It contributes valuable insights into the information practices of immigrant women during their integration process, highlighting how information access-or the lack thereof-shapes their opportunities and experiences. Method. The study is designed based on semi-structured interviews conducted with twelve immigrant women from South Asian countries living in Finland. Analysis. Quantitative analysis was carried out on the data collected from interviews. The thematic analysis was undertaken and codes and themes were structured as per the data received in interviews. Results. Immigrant women seek employment-related information from family, friends, and digital sources (LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, Blogs, Websites). Information overload and the negative information experiences are the main challenges faced during the information seeking process which led to poor mental and physical well-being and less opportunities for integration. Conclusions. This research highlights the need for more in-depth investigation related to information seeking behaviour of women immigrants during the job-seeking process. Also the importance of understanding how mental and physical health concerns during the job-seeking process influence immigrant women’s overall integration into a new country.