Understanding The Employment Relationship of Central and Eastern European Migrant Workers Using a Qualitative Case Study Approach

The methods case study shall be based upon research conducted for my PhD, which examined the employment relationship of Central and Eastern European migrant workers employed in semi- to low-skilled occupations in Scotland. The research design comprised of three qualitative case studies in organizations that were dependent upon Central and Eastern European migrant workers. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with management, HR employees and Central and Eastern European workers, in addition nine focus groups were conducted with Central and Eastern European workers only. Interpreters were used in some interviews and focus groups due to participants’ limited English language skills. The methods case study explores the practical issues and problems associated with conducting and managing a large-scale research project as an early career researcher. Focus is placed upon the learning and reflections that occurred during the data collection.