Cookies

Like most websites, the website of the University of Humanistic Studies uses cookies. Dutch regulations require websites to ask for approval the first time the site is visited. More information

Yes, I accept cookiesPreferences
EN NL

Research into experiences of globalisation in the workplace


22 January 2021

Lack of respect bigger issue than concerns about open borders


When workers talk about the consequences of open borders, they mainly bring up the fact that they experience too little respect from society. Issues about migration or other cultures appear to be a stepping stone to expressing concerns about the lack of community in the workplace and the lack of control in their daily work. This is evident from research conducted by the University of Humanistic Studies on behalf of The Netherlands Institute for Social Research (SCP), entitled Dealen met de grote wereld. Globalisering in de publieke opinie en op het werk ('Dealing with the big world. Globalisation in public opinion and at work').


The research report gives an overview of what the Dutch think of globalisation and how they experience it in the internationalised workplace. What is striking about the study is that there is no strong rejection of globalisation in the Netherlands, nor is there a tendency for this to diminish. In April 2020, public opinion is even more positive about globalisation than it was before the corona crisis. Although the assumption seems to be that the Dutch are fed up with globalisation, the common denominator is thus quite positive.  


However, the research shows large differences in the perception and appreciation of globalisation issues. Often, the level of education is a strong distinguishing factor. People with a higher education are more likely to say that they benefit from open borders, both as workers and as consumers. They see themselves more often as 'winners from globalisation'. The study also shows large differences in views between supporters of different political parties, and there is a correlation between dissatisfaction with globalisation phenomena and more general social unease.

Effects on the workplace

In the workplace of companies that are highly internationalised, these contrasts are also evident, although there, too, people see more advantages than disadvantages. Opposing views on globalisation issues such as the refugee policy are part of the conversations one has as colleagues, they are not a divisive factor in mutual relations. Nor are open borders and international competition identified as a major source of job dissatisfaction.


Many practical problems of internationalisation on the workfloor are identified, such as insecurity due to language differences. In addition, a discussion about globalisation gives rise to talk of a lack of solidarity and a lack of control in the work place and of a decline in professional pride. But these shortcomings are not seen as inevitable consequences of globalisation.


The research suggests that what is lacking in discontent can be better addressed on the basis of what people themselves see as deficits in solidarity and social recognition. For employees, consider replacing the current social emphasis on diplomas and continuing education with appreciation for ordinary work, as critics of the 'meritocracy' regularly suggest.

Research remains necessary

At the moment, much is uncertain. Will the global corona pandemic lead to a further slowdown of the already faltering globalisation? Or is it, on the contrary, a stimulus for more coordination and international action? Will it lead to lasting changes or will it just have been an incident after which the world surprisingly quickly returned to normal? We do not know and it will take time to find out which way it is. It is therefore important that the connection between globalisation, opinions and experiences is continuously investigated.


Research report (in Dutch):

Paul Dekker (red.) Dealen met de grote wereld. Globalisering in de publieke opinie en op het werk. Met bijdragen van Evelien Boonstoppel, Menno Hurenkamp, Iris Middendorp en Evelien Tonkens. SCP: Den Haag. ISBN: 9789037709629. 

Download the report at www.scp.nl.


Research conducted by the University of Humanistic Studies on behalf of SCP, shows that there is no strong rejection of globalisation in the Netherlands, nor is there a tendency for this to diminish.