From War to Work: A Phenomenological Study of Tensions Experienced by Ukrainian Refugees in the Danish Private Labor Market and Leadership Approaches to Addressing These Tensions

Abstract

This phenomenological thesis explores the tensions experienced by Ukrainian refugees in their respective employments within the Danish private labor market, as well as how these tensions can be managed from a leadership perspective. The empirical foundation for this investigation consists of 14 semi-structured, individual interviews, wherein seven Ukrainian refugees and seven leaders, experienced in managing such employees, have provided rich descriptions from their respective life-worlds. The thesis identifies three empirical tensions.

The initial tension revolves around the dual nature of the work's significance for Ukrainian refugees, elucidated through Kahn's (1999) theoretical framework. Work serves as a meaningful escape from war- induced worries, which fosters personal engagement. Yet, it can also pose burdens and foster personal disengagement, especially when their private life impedes work-related tasks. The secondary tension comprises dual dimensions illuminated by Crevani et al. (2007), Cohen (2010), and Fletcher and Käufer (2003). Initially, Ukrainian refugees encounter leadership practices in Denmark diverging from those familiar in Ukraine, indicating cultural influences. Subsequently, they express conflicting needs anchored in both the heroic and post-heroical paradigms. The tertiary tension illuminated by George (2000) arises from Ukrainian refugees' conflicting dialogue needs, wherein they seek to avoid emotional dialogs while simultaneously desiring these and questing for empathetic leadership behavior.

Furthermore, the handling of these three tensions is categorized as a Wicked Problem, wherein resolution cannot be achieved through straightforward solutions but necessitates complex navigation between better and worse alternatives (Grint, 2005). Derived from the principles of Grounded Theory and informed by analytical discoveries, this thesis offers a model for leadership management of the three tensions, seeking to address their inherent complexity. This model serves as a foundation for informed dialogue between Ukrainian refugees and their leaders, fostering awareness and a more nuanced comprehension of the emerging tensions, the needs the Ukrainian refugees experience, and how these could be addressed.