RESILIENCE AND EXPATRIATION: ADVERSITIES TO THE DYNAMIC OF RESILIENT BEHAVIOR OF EXPATRIATES

Authors

  • Laura Alves Scherer Universidade Federal do Pampa/UNIPAMPA - Campus Santana do Livramento
  • Italo Fernando Minello Universidade Federal de Santa Maria/UFSM

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14210/alcance.v24n3(Jul/Set).p329-349

Keywords:

resilience, resilient behavior, expatriation.

Abstract

Resilience is a dynamic process in which an individual experiencing an adversity seeks to face it and adapt to it, as can occur with expatriates experiencing stressful situations when they travel to another country. This article analyzes the resilient behavior of expatriate Brazilians in China in the face of the expatriation experience. This is a qualitative and exploratory research. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twelve Brazilian expatriates in China, which were then analyzed using the technique of content analysis. The categories defined a priori were: situations of adversity and dynamics of resilient behavior. The results highlighted that most of the adversities were related to aspects related to the culture of the expatriation country. At first the spontaneous reaction of the expatriates was denial, and with time, acceptance, culminating in a feeling of adaptation during this experience. There was also fluctuation between moments of emotional stability and moments of anguish and isolation. This fact is in line with the expatriate adaptation and acculturation curve, which demonstrates shifts in the individual's feelings and behavior abroad. These, in turn, may be related to the dynamics of resilient behavior of expatriates, i.e. sometimes positive, sometimes negative.

Author Biographies

Laura Alves Scherer, Universidade Federal do Pampa/UNIPAMPA - Campus Santana do Livramento

Professora do Curso de Administração da Universidade Federal do Pampa/UNIPAMPA - Campus Santana do Livramento; Mestre em Administração pela Universidade Federal de Santa Maria/UFSM e Doutoranda em Administração na linha de Gestão de Pessoas da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul/UFRGS

Italo Fernando Minello, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria/UFSM

Professor do Departamento de Ciências Administrativas e do Programa de Pós-graduação em Administração da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria/UFSM; Doutor em Administração pela Universidade de São Paulo FEA/USP

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Published

2017-11-17

Issue

Vol. 24 No. 3(Jul/Set) (2017)

Section

Article

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