"LIVES IN BETWEEN"

AMBIVALENCE AND LIMINALITY IN THE EXPATRIATION-REPATRIATION OF EXECUTIVES FROM BRAZILIAN MULTINATIONALS

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.