Examining the Dynamics Between Cultural Organizations and Migrant Workers: Perspective of Value Co-creation

Abstract

With the labor demanding and aging society, the population of migrant workers from Southeast Asia is gradually increasing. The misunderstanding and discrimination about migrant workers have obviously became important issues that we all need to face nowadays. However, migrant workers not only support the basic-skilled workforce and workforce shortage of long-term care, but also bring colorful culture from home countries, which contribute to the cultural diversity in Taiwan. Recently, there are many cultural organizations committed to promoting the culture of migrant workers. Much research was based on views of social issues or civic groups, rarely from the perspective of value co-creation.

The research conducted the qualitative research methods to understand the dynamics between cultural organizations and migrant workers and their co-creation approach. In order to had a better understanding, this research selects 1095 culture studio and Brilliant Time Bookstore as the cases. The primary data was collected from the expert interviews, participant observations and furthermore in-depth interviews. Three experts, two members in the management team and two migrant workers participated in each case were chosen as interviewees.

The research findings are as following, to begin with, the research indicates the roles of cultural organizations in the migrant workers community, public and the culture, and then also points out the pattern of their social relationship. Then, the research shows the values co-created by cultural organizations and migrant workers. Furthermore, in this dynamics, the research presents the transformations of participants-partners-planners of migrant workers. Finally, this research conducts the framework of co-creation which enhances and nurtures cultural diversity.