Voluntary International Mobility Lived in Laughter, Tears, and Resignification: Experiences of Brazilians Shared on YouTube Channels

Authors

Keywords:

international geographic mobility, voluntary mobility, self-initiated expatriate, immigrant, narrative research

Abstract

Voluntary international mobility requires greater responsibility, given that there is no structure and organizational support for the challenge of living in another country. The aim of this study is to analyze the intercultural adaptation process of Brazilian immigrants and self-initiated expatriates in “off-axis” countries (less sought after/without a structured community of Brazilians) based on their reports and interactions on YouTube channels. The study employs a qualitative approach, with narrative research of four individuals. The data were collected between March and May of 2021 according to the following categories: intercultural adaptation; types of adaptation; structure and functioning of the channel. We confirmed the applicability of the theories of intercultural adaptation to analyze voluntary mobility, but with the need to consider specific aspects, such as advance adjustment actions, the influence of the channels on the focus and effort to adapt to the general environment and interact with the locals, and the emergence of individual aspects and behaviors (such as flexibility to change and self-knowledge), which were shown to be relevant for the intercultural adaptation process in voluntary mobility. As a theoretical contribution, it is understood that to use the theories about intercultural adaptation with the aim of analyzing voluntary mobility it is necessary to consider some specific aspects of this type of mobility while still in the country of origin, the weight and importance of each adaptation environment for the voluntary expatriate’s objective, and how much that experience is shared and exposed on different media with their respective impact on choices and (re)creation of meanings. 

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Author Biographies

Janaina Maria Bueno, Federal University of Uberlândia

Doctor in Business Administration from the Getúlio Vargas Foundation in São Paulo, in the Organizational Studies line, with a post-doctorate in Administration from the Federal University of Paraná (UFPR). Adjunct professor of graduation and post-graduation (Professional Master’s in Organizational Management) at the School of Management and Business of the Federal University of Uberlândia (FAGEN) since 2013. Coordinates and participates in research and teaching projects about Organizations and Interculturality and Business Management and Strategy at FAGEN/UFU. She has published articles in national journals and presented studies at national and international events.

E-mail: janaina.bueno@ufu.br

ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0858-7657

 

Carlos Roberto Domingues, Federal University of Uberlândia

Doctor in Business Administration from the Getúlio Vargas Foundation (FGV-EAESP). Adjunct professor in graduation and post-graduation at the School of Management and Business of the Federal University of Uberlândia (FAGEN) since 2013. Permanent professor of the Professional Master’s in Organizational Management at FAGEN/UFU. Coordinates the Center for Research in Business Management and Strategy, with scientific initiation research projects registered with the National Council for Scientific and Technological Research (CNPq). Has studies published in journals and presented at national and international events on topics relating to Strategy and Organizational Studies.

E-mail: carlos.domingues@ufu.br

ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5606-4490

Amanda Cristina Corrêa Vaz, Federal University of Uberlândia

Student of the Graduate Course in Administration at the School of Management and Business of the Federal University of Uberlândia (FAGEN/UFU). Has presented studies at scientific events.

E-mail: amanda.cristinavaz@ufu.br

ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3453-8258

Nicole Hage Ferreira, Federal University of Uberlândia

Student of the Full-Time Administration Course at the School of Management and Business of the Federal University of Uberlândia (FAGEN/UFU). Member of the GPOER Group for Research on Organizations, Strategy, and Regionalities and a scientific initiation scholarship holder. She has presented studies at scientific events.

E-mail: nicole.hage@ufu.br

ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8837-9670

Published

2022-10-28

How to Cite

1.
Bueno JM, Domingues CR, Vaz ACC, Ferreira NH. Voluntary International Mobility Lived in Laughter, Tears, and Resignification: Experiences of Brazilians Shared on YouTube Channels. Organ. Soc. [Internet]. 2022Oct.28 [cited 2024Mar.29];29(103). Available from: https://periodicos.ufba.br/index.php/revistaoes/article/view/47086

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Articles