Research seminar by Maha Yomn Sbaa from Radboud university
This seminar traces a research journey that explores the multifaceted nature of decent work, moving from the perceptions of individual migrant workers to the systemic challenges of governing decent work in global supply chains.
The first part delves into the nuanced perceptions of decent work among migrant workers, drawing on empirical studies from Italy. It reveals how pre-migration experiences shape expectations and presents comparative findings on the unexpected divergences between migrant and native workers' perceptions within similar roles. This micro-level analysis highlights how worker experiences are also shaped by a complex ecosystem of employers, HR managers, and policymakers.
Building on these insights, the second part of the seminar scales up to the macro-level, examining ongoing research on the governance of decent work in global supply chains within the context of recent mandatory regulations (e.g., CSDDD). Focusing on the seafood industry in Southeast Asia, this work-in-progress investigates the critical gaps between policy and practice. The presentation will explore key conceptual issues, such as the exclusion of the informal workforce, accountability gaps among lead firms, and the absence of vulnerable workers' voices, and discuss the planned methodological approach for understanding why governance failures persist.
By connecting established micro-level findings with a macro-level developing research agenda, this talk seeks to generate discussion on a comprehensive framework for understanding and addressing the persistent challenges of ensuring decent work for the most marginalized.
Maha Yomn is a postdoctoral researcher at the Nijmegen School of Management. Her research interests span labor rights, migration, and critical perspectives on (cultural) diversity, with a focus on marginalized and disadvantaged workers and communities. She earned her PhD from the University of Bologna, where she analyzed decent work perceptions among migrant workers in Italy through multiple lenses. Her current research examines decent work governance in global supply chains and its impact on vulnerable workers in the Global South. Grounded in her academic and lived experiences across the SWANA region, Europe, and the USA, she brings a comprehensive, global perspective to her work.