An exploratory study on the information seeking and use behaviour of Singapore-based Filipino domestic workers

Abstract

This research focused on the information seeking and use behaviour of Filipino domestic workers (FDWs) in Singapore. The study was deemed important given the constant rise of FDWs deployed overseas. In Singapore, they make up around 40% of the 172,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). Their behaviour in fulfilling information needs may be defined by their very limiting and highly homogeneous information sources. This assumption was based on previous studies (Caidi, Allard, & Quirke, 2010; Wang & Chen, 2012; Fisher, Durrance, & Hinton, 2004; Fisher, Marcoux, Miller, Sánchez, & Cunningham, 2004; Gibbs, 1994; Herzog Jr, Hofler, & Schlottmann, 1985; Herzog Jr & Schlottmann, 1983) that typecast low-paid and low-skilled migrants as ‘information poor.’ More often than not, they remain at the sidelines of information ecology – drawing them to their co-equals, with whom they share and trade information serendipitously. The study was also prompted by the need to analyse the FDWs’ profile vis-à-vis their usage and perceptions of information and communication technologies (ICT). Moreover, the study aimed to understand the FDWs’ problems related to their information seeking habits – especially about their usage (or non-usage) of electronic services. Central to this pursuit is a careful analysis of the e-government services offered by the embassy of the Republic of the Philippines, Singapore. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative research methods to address the abovementioned objectives. In all, there were 138 FDWs surveyed during a five-day ethnography in areas frequented by the FDWs in Singapore. Empirical data from this quantitative method were triangulated with participant observations gathered from fieldwork and extensive inputs from an official of the Philippine embassy that were elicited through an in-depth interview. Results showed that majority of the FDW-respondents are now connected online – but such does not adequately equate with information and digital literacy. Drawing them closer to the centre of information ecology requires support from the government, multi-sectors, and the FDWs themselves. The study saw the need to perpetuate participative learning even as many of the FDW-respondents claimed acquiring higher level education.