Expatriated brazilian executives: perceptions of the new role and influence of psychic distance

Abstract

The work describes the perceptions of expatriated Brazilian executives and the influence of the psychic distance, identifying the facilitating and hampering factors of the adapting process and, mainly, their perception regarding to the role performed. We interviewed executives who have gone through the process of expatriation, as well as who experience it. Data collection was done through semi-structured personal interviews, according to a previously established schedule. In order to understand the perception of the executives concerning their new role, and what factors of psychic distance have more influence on success or failure of the expatriation process, we used oral history as methodological tool. We observed that the main obstacles arise in the beginning of the period spent abroad due to the lack of a good training; the cultural shock of arrival, even if the executive knows aspects of the host country culture; the difficulty with the foreign language and, often, due to the lack of involvement of local workers. Concerning the return to Brazil, the lack of support on part of the companies is a serious problem, since it is not easy to readapt to the previous familiar, personal, and professional environments.