AAOP Workplace Experience Model
About
The AAOP Work Experience Model is a conceptual model that seeks to build awareness of the unique qualities of Asian Australians as well as the workplace barriers Asian Australians face, and to understand the impact of this in the broader environmental context to help Asian Australians perform better at work. This model was built through literature reviews of cultural research on Asians from and living in Western countries.
The AAOP Work Experience Model is meant to be used as a guide for how the culture is viewed in Western society and a reflection tool to help individuals think about different workplace barriers and cultural factors that affect the Asian-Australian experience.
With this model, you will learn about:
The external barriers that can impact you in the workplace
Cultural factors that could have shaped your upbringing
Workplace behaviours that could be exhibited as a result of cultural values and societal perspective
Unique lived experiences of AAOP members
A Total of 88 Asian Australians Surveyed or in Focus Groups
5 Versions of the Model tested
Research Methodology
Our workplace experience model was developed through consultation with available research and internal reviews by our team of Asian Australian Organisational Psychologists. Peer-reviewed journals were referenced to inform the different components of the model. In late 2022, AAOP surveyed Asian Australians to collect feedback on the model and implemented some changes based on the feedback. Importantly, AAOP also utilised the unique lived experiences of AAOP members to inform the AAOP workplace experience model.
Applications
The Asian Australian Workplace Experience Model can be used as a self-reflection guide to explore AAs’ potential internal and external experiences while living in Australia.
Organisations are able to refer to the model as a guide to gain insights into the cultural context of AAs or to develop cultural training for their workplace.
Disclaimer: The model is not a direct representation of individual AA’s unique experiences and should only be used as a guide.
Reflection
Cultural Understanding
Career Coaching and Work Model
AAOP hope to coaches to use this model as a guide during coaching to help individuals connect with what unique traits they can bring into the workplace and be proud of their Asian cultural background and identity while also teaching you how to navigate the barriers you face at work that may prevent you from achieving your career goals.
This enables them to understand your struggles on a deeper level, ask better questions and recommend better practices. Working together, you will be understood, identify issues holding you back as an Asian Australian and learn to deal with them for more sustainable career growth and higher well-being.
