Enhancing migrants’ job performance: the role of employees’ dynamic capabilities driven by the perceived meaning of life

Abstract

Purpose – Amidst dynamic global changes, migrant workforce dynamics have become complex due to voluntary and forced migrations, coupled with talent competition. Paradoxically, many migrants experience deskilling and brain waste in host countries. To optimize migrant skills for enhanced job performance in fluctuating organizational and environmental contexts, it is vital to overcome this challenge. This study aims to verify the employees’ dynamic capabilities (EDC) based job performance model among migrants, exploring how the moderating effect of a meaning of life influences the relationship between EDC and job performance, considering job-related attitudes. Design/methodology/approach – We conducted empirical research based on a survey of 453 Ukrainian migrants currently residing in Poland. Findings – The results indicate that EDC influences job performance through person-job fit, work motivation, and job satisfaction. Particularly, migrants with a positive meaning of life show stronger relationships between EDC and job performance. Originality/value – The article’s originality lies in exploring the concept of EDC within the context of migrant workers, bridging a gap in understanding how these capabilities impact job performance, particularly regarding brain waste and deskilling. The study delves into how EDC could mitigate the mismatch between migrant workers’ qualifications and job placements, thereby enriching international human resources management strategies to foster inclusive workplaces and enhance migrant workforce success.