"LIVES IN BETWEEN"

The objective of this article is to investigate how the dynamics of expatriation-repatriation affect the subjectivities of executives from Brazilian multinationals. Thus, this study contributes to the field of International Human Resource Management (IHRM) by analyzing how the experiences of Brazilian expatriate executives (re)configure their identities in response to international mobility. Through semi-structured interviews with 21 Brazilian expatriates, the findings show the multidimensional nature of identity, as well as its varying degrees of reconfiguration within an international context, affecting participants' values, attitudes, and behaviors. Furthermore, the data analysis indicated that expatriation-repatriation is an ambivalent and liminal process involving losses and gains, challenges and learning experiences, and disruptions and continuous (re)configurations, wherein the human challenges of intercultural adaptation are frequently overlooked by human resource managers in multinationals. Therefore, this study suggests that Human Resource Management should develop specific strategies to mitigate the challenges arising from the expatriation and repatriation process.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Revista Economia & Gestão
Published
2025-07-14
DOI
https://doi.org/10.5752/p.1984-6606.2025v25n71p89-111
Primary Topic
International Student and Expatriate Challenges
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

"LIVES IN BETWEEN"

Vanessa Faria Silva, Sérgio Wanderley, Patrícia Asunción Loaiza Calderón
Revista Economia & Gestão
International Student and Expatriate Challenges
article

"LIVES IN BETWEEN"

Vanessa Faria Silva, Sérgio Wanderley, Patrícia Asunción Loaiza Calderón
article en

Abstract

The objective of this article is to investigate how the dynamics of expatriation-repatriation affect the subjectivities of executives from Brazilian multinationals. Thus, this study contributes to the field of International Human Resource Management (IHRM) by analyzing how the experiences of Brazilian expatriate executives (re)configure their identities in response to international mobility. Through semi-structured interviews with 21 Brazilian expatriates, the findings show the multidimensional nature of identity, as well as its varying degrees of reconfiguration within an international context, affecting participants' values, attitudes, and behaviors. Furthermore, the data analysis indicated that expatriation-repatriation is an ambivalent and liminal process involving losses and gains, challenges and learning experiences, and disruptions and continuous (re)configurations, wherein the human challenges of intercultural adaptation are frequently overlooked by human resource managers in multinationals. Therefore, this study suggests that Human Resource Management should develop specific strategies to mitigate the challenges arising from the expatriation and repatriation process.

Revista Economia & GestãoVol. 25(71)
Instituto Federal do Rio de Janeiro (BR), Universidade Unigranrio (BR)
Openalex Percentile: Top 76%
International Student and Expatriate Challenges
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.