Autor/es
Descripción
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Colaborador
Luci, Florencia
Zangaro, Marcela
Idioma
spa
Extent
221 p.
Derechos
info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
Atribución-NoComercial-SinDerivadas 2.0 Genérica (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
Formato
application/pdf
Identificador
Abstract
The growing of the Foreign Direct Investment together with the prevailing globalization, demands us not only to study the internationalization of capital, but also that of human resources.
The objective of the present doctoral dissertation in social sciences, is the study of international secondments in transnational corporations in Argentina. In order to do this, we take as subjects of our study a group of thirty managers from different generations that at least experienced a year in an international assignment.
This entire process was carried in a three-year period, setting the foundations and the structure of this dissertation, the field work, analysis, and writing that led us to the findings. Utilizing a qualitative methodology, we study the professional and life trajectories to thereafter study the expatriations life cycle. This is, the decision making, the residence and return along with the results of these experiences.
We have proposed a series of objectives that explain and interpret the development of the expatriate’s trajectories, experiences and the adapting abilities and strategies once returned. Through observation, the narratives of the subjects studied, provided new keys that required modifications of certain work patterns that were not originally foreseen.
The dissertation has been structured as follows. In the first chapter we integrate the platform in which we establish our framework. This is the formal framework in which any academic dissertation is based upon.
In the second chapter, we begin utilizing our theoretical framework, defining the study subjects that work in transnational corporations. We will also deepen other variables the subjects own with two main characteristics (being a manager and expatriate), while designated as trusted employees (differentiation, perceptions, age group, types of expatriation).
During the third chapter, we researched the beginning of their life story, where primary and secondary socialization was present. By doing this, we study the correlations that will show relevant empirical evidence that will relate the findings with the beginning of their work trajectories.
In the fourth chapter –which was core to our research–, we began to unveil the core stages of their professional trajectories in transnational corporations. Throughout this chapter, we centre the interpretation of their trajectories through the analysed interviews, focusing on the outreach, naturalness and resistance of the migratory process of international secondments.
To complete this chapter, we wanted to engage with the repetition of the process. This is, to understand the sacrifice and will of these managers towards a second expatriation experience.
Following with the argument of our study, knowingly that human decisions are not only based on the rational choice, we proposed to study the world of emotions and perceptions of the expatriated managers. How these are defined by the own subjects, approaches us to their symbolic universes and their experiences from a sensitive side. The decision making related to these processes, entail emotional facets that are unknown from only examining pure theories.
These same subjects teach us that phenomenology is part of the expatriations, which is multifaceted and lacking mechanics.
The end of the expatriation cycle will not close if we do not approach the return to origin in this phenomenon. In chapter six, we dedicate it to the study of this last phase and the readjustment of the expatriate to their place of origin. Returning does not mean for any international migrant resuming their lives in their country of origin. As Odysseus, when he returned to Ithaca, his land was unfamiliar to him.
Coming back poses a new readjustment, in which reality, fantasy and expectations should be blended at some point to make the situation bearable to the returnee. Constant comparisons raise a logic of two worlds. Understanding and interpreting the findings, will help us to apprehend the necessary readjustment processes of these returned managers, to erode the frustration stage of the in-between.
And finally, in chapter seven, we are proposing a series of conclusions to which we have arrived to, through our findings. In these, we outlined and responded to our research questions noting any other representative key, found in our studied phenomenon. Thus, we conclude our contribution, hoping that it will help others in the construction of future research.
The objective of the present doctoral dissertation in social sciences, is the study of international secondments in transnational corporations in Argentina. In order to do this, we take as subjects of our study a group of thirty managers from different generations that at least experienced a year in an international assignment.
This entire process was carried in a three-year period, setting the foundations and the structure of this dissertation, the field work, analysis, and writing that led us to the findings. Utilizing a qualitative methodology, we study the professional and life trajectories to thereafter study the expatriations life cycle. This is, the decision making, the residence and return along with the results of these experiences.
We have proposed a series of objectives that explain and interpret the development of the expatriate’s trajectories, experiences and the adapting abilities and strategies once returned. Through observation, the narratives of the subjects studied, provided new keys that required modifications of certain work patterns that were not originally foreseen.
The dissertation has been structured as follows. In the first chapter we integrate the platform in which we establish our framework. This is the formal framework in which any academic dissertation is based upon.
In the second chapter, we begin utilizing our theoretical framework, defining the study subjects that work in transnational corporations. We will also deepen other variables the subjects own with two main characteristics (being a manager and expatriate), while designated as trusted employees (differentiation, perceptions, age group, types of expatriation).
During the third chapter, we researched the beginning of their life story, where primary and secondary socialization was present. By doing this, we study the correlations that will show relevant empirical evidence that will relate the findings with the beginning of their work trajectories.
In the fourth chapter –which was core to our research–, we began to unveil the core stages of their professional trajectories in transnational corporations. Throughout this chapter, we centre the interpretation of their trajectories through the analysed interviews, focusing on the outreach, naturalness and resistance of the migratory process of international secondments.
To complete this chapter, we wanted to engage with the repetition of the process. This is, to understand the sacrifice and will of these managers towards a second expatriation experience.
Following with the argument of our study, knowingly that human decisions are not only based on the rational choice, we proposed to study the world of emotions and perceptions of the expatriated managers. How these are defined by the own subjects, approaches us to their symbolic universes and their experiences from a sensitive side. The decision making related to these processes, entail emotional facets that are unknown from only examining pure theories.
These same subjects teach us that phenomenology is part of the expatriations, which is multifaceted and lacking mechanics.
The end of the expatriation cycle will not close if we do not approach the return to origin in this phenomenon. In chapter six, we dedicate it to the study of this last phase and the readjustment of the expatriate to their place of origin. Returning does not mean for any international migrant resuming their lives in their country of origin. As Odysseus, when he returned to Ithaca, his land was unfamiliar to him.
Coming back poses a new readjustment, in which reality, fantasy and expectations should be blended at some point to make the situation bearable to the returnee. Constant comparisons raise a logic of two worlds. Understanding and interpreting the findings, will help us to apprehend the necessary readjustment processes of these returned managers, to erode the frustration stage of the in-between.
And finally, in chapter seven, we are proposing a series of conclusions to which we have arrived to, through our findings. In these, we outlined and responded to our research questions noting any other representative key, found in our studied phenomenon. Thus, we conclude our contribution, hoping that it will help others in the construction of future research.
Título obtenido
Doctor de la Universidad de Buenos Aires en Ciencias Sociales
Institución otorgante
Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Sociales