Abstract
This qualitative study examines the boundary challenges encountered by Muslim professionals in New Zealand following the 2019 mosque terrorist attack, focusing on their dual roles as community members and employees. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 Muslim professionals from nine organizations. Four key themes are reported: (1) Navigating Relational Boundaries, (2) Boundary Maintenance Dynamics, (3) Role Expectation Discrepancies, and (4) Insights and Recommendations. Participants reported emotional strain, reputational risks, and a gap between expectations and experiences, contributing to emotional exhaustion. The findings advocate for a reevaluation of traditional boundary frameworks to accommodate culturally diverse community engagement.