Lived Experiences of Leadership: Navigating Challenges of Migrant Officials in a Province

Abstract

The study explores the experiences and challenges of migrant officials in Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines using the phenomenological approach. It tackles cultural adaptation, workplace integration, and promotion struggles within a diverse organizational environment. The study used interviews and questionnaires to gather data to selected participants. Key results reveal the participants’ resilience, adaptability, and contributions to local governance, counterbalanced by systemic challenges such as cultural bias, limited professional support, and political influences in promotions. Despite the hurdles, their cultural backgrounds and strong work ethics enriched workplace industry and governance effectiveness. Recommendations from this study include fostering a merit-based promotion system, enhancing cultural sensitivity programs, and professional development opportunities. The study emphasizes the importance of inclusive policies in optimizing the potential of diverse bureaucratic populations and serves as a foundation for revising legislation to protect the rights of migrant workers while promoting equitable and just treatment and integration in local governance.