Talking about life and work: Exploring Aboriginal employees’ experiences of the fit between Central Australian lifeworlds and NGO workplace practices and service delivery models

Abstract

Aboriginal employees play a vital role in non-government organisations in Central Australia however there remains a continual under-representation of Aboriginal people in the human service workforce in this remote area. This qualitative study explored the experience of Aboriginal employees in Central Australian non-government organisations (NGOs) and examined the congruence between local Aboriginal lifeworlds and NGO service delivery models and workplace practices. A theoretical framework was used that brought into conversa on critical theory, concepts of voice and dialogue, and Central Australian First Nations’ knowledge systems. Seventeen Aboriginal employees who had experience working in one or more NGOs in Central Australia participated in in-depth conversations, narrating personal experiences of the workplaces. Thematic analysis was used from which four themes emerged. “Recognition, Respect and Voice” outlined the centrality of Country, Family and Law and the way these local ontologies are recognised, respected, and given voice by Aboriginal staff but are often contested in the workplace. “Work and Wellbeing” captured the narratives of workplaces harms and healing, outlining supportive workplace practices. “Colleagues and Managers” highlighted the importance of attention to working collectively in relationships of mutuality. “Employment Journey, Learning Journey” documented the integrated nature of employment and learning and the significance role NGOs play in workplace learning and development that has ramifications beyond the workplace. The findings suggest that recognising and respecting Central Australian Aboriginal ontologies is fundamental for employment policy and practices in NGOs in this part of remote Australia, to increase Aboriginal workplace participatory parity, employee wellbeing, and culturally responsive service delivery.