In December 2019, a qualitative survey was conducted by the Africans4future Network Research Program. 78 Sub-Saharan immigrants currently living in America received the study questionnaire through Whatsapp. They were expected to answer 4 open questions in other to capture their values when they came to the USA.
After a content analysis, using the number of time a word or value was mentioned per number of respondents, the following results came out:
150% of responses had the name to "Get a job."
100% had "help with Transportation."
75% of the words were about "Learning English" and "How to get a driving license".
50% were concerned about "How to get reliable information" and "How to get resources."
25% of the respondents had the words "keep faith."
Qualitative surveys are used to understand values, and their results could provide direction, vision, and leadership to shape the future. In our case, the study revealed clearly that the main preoccupation of Sub-Saharan Africans in America is getting sources of income.
Any other values seem to adjust or have to fit that high expectation (150% response with the answer "get a job") of getting a better life.
If you want to improve your job outcomes or expectations, get a copy of the book redefining work-life balance by Jim Bird.
In this book, you will discover how to be more productive at work without sinking into stress and depression, very common to people that are work-focused. It could also help you balance your work-life and your relationship with the people you love.
After observations, we noticed that getting a job becomes so overwhelming that some neglect other essential aspects of life like faith and family. Also, to enjoy life in America, invest time to develop spirituality, strong family ties and, finally grow your profession, career, and business.
What were your top 3 priorities when you just arrived in America?
Herve Ngate
Africans4future Editorial