Abstract

This case study examines the acculturative experiences of a Chinese academic in New Zealand. It describes his dilemmas in his life choices whether to return to China or not after his doctoral study, and reports the plights, hardships, and setbacks he had experienced in settling down and seeking employment in a new country. The case study, through a narrative approach, uncovers some of the under-researched issues facing new migrant professionals in higher education institutions in New Zealand, including workplace bullying, discrimination, racial inequality, racism, lack of opportunities for career development, and impenetrable glass ceilings in academic promotions. It highlights the disadvantages of the Chinese migrant’s low-key, non-direct and non-assertive communicational styles and relational strategies in the workplace contexts in New Zealand higher education institutions that hinder the crossing of culturally constructed relational fences and, most importantly, career advancement and promotions.