Small Talk Identity Negotiation: Social Dynamics Among Colleagues in the Multicultural Arctic Healthcare Workplace

This research explores the role of small talk in the negotiation of identities and social dynamics in multilingual, multicultural healthcare workplaces in Arctic regions. Building on findings from the Prepp til helse project (Cristin project ID: 2558720), which examined immigrant integration in Norwegian healthcare, this study focuses on how informal communication, specifically small talk, influences identity negotiation and workplace inclusion. Drawing on Identity Negotiation Theory (Bucholtz & Hall, 2005) and Investment Theory (Norton & Toohey, 2011), the study aims to identify how small talk can serve as a tool for both promoting and hindering social inclusion, especially for immigrant workers. The research will investigate how these interactional dynamics are shaped in multicultural work environments by examining the experiences of immigrant workers, supervisors, and Norwegian colleagues, utilizing ethnographic methods, including participant observation, field notes, and semi-structured interviews.

This study looks at how small talk helps workers in diverse healthcare environments in the Arctic build relationships and establish a sense of belonging. Many of these workers are immigrants who may struggle with language, and small talk can play a big role in how they are included or excluded in the workplace. By observing interactions and speaking with workers and supervisors, the research investigates how these casual conversations impact professional identities and the overall working environment. By applying theories of identity and social investment, this project will show how small talk can either help immigrant workers fit in or, on the other hand, leave them feeling isolated. Ultimately, the goal is to better understand how communication can either break down or reinforce barriers in multicultural workplaces.

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