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Expatriate Adjustment in Brazil: A Cross-Cultural Analysis

Teixeira Valadares de Oliveira, Luiza

Abstract Details

2013, Master of Arts (MA), Ohio University, Latin American Studies (International Studies).
This study explores the experiences of expatriates in Brazil through the cross-cultural studies literature. It aims to assess how expatriates of various nationalities perceive the host culture in comparison to their own culture. In addition, this research seeks to identify what work-related and non-work related factors influence expatriate adjustment in the host country. Through a triangulation process of qualitative and quantitative methodologies this study identifies elements representative of adjustment and test their impact for a larger number of sojourners. Five expatriates were interviewed and the qualitative analysis of responses show that there are elements influencing expatriate adjustment in Brazil other than cultural transition. These elements are infrastructure, prices of goods and services, safety, bureaucracy, relationship with local people, language proficiency and family presence and satisfaction. Each of these elements was then tested in a larger sample through an online survey along with work-related variables taken from extant research on Cross-Cultural Studies. A total of 47 expatriates completed the survey and the results of the quantitative analysis show that among the non-work related variables, the variables infrastructure and safety are elements influencing adjustment to the living conditions in the host country. Amongst the work-related variables, the variables team work, relationship building, work-related attitudes and behaviors, conflict resolution style, motivation, company policies, negotiating and leadership styles are all correlated with the expatriate’s perception of the overall host culture, meaning that the more similar they perceive the overall host culture to their own culture, the more similar they perceive these work-related variables. In addition, this study found that while culture divergence in Brazil can be perceived through the variables selected from the literature on cross-cultural studies it also concluded that perceived differences in culture with respect to work-related values influence adjustment of sojourners in firms located in Brazil. The findings of this study show how cultural divergence challenges expatriate adjustment regardless of their nationalities and supports the significance of cultural interfaces at the organizational level.
Catherine Axinn (Advisor)
John Schermerhorn (Committee Member)
Julia Paxton (Committee Member)
175 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Teixeira Valadares de Oliveira, L. (2013). Expatriate Adjustment in Brazil: A Cross-Cultural Analysis [Master's thesis, Ohio University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1366842311

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Teixeira Valadares de Oliveira, Luiza. Expatriate Adjustment in Brazil: A Cross-Cultural Analysis . 2013. Ohio University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1366842311.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Teixeira Valadares de Oliveira, Luiza. "Expatriate Adjustment in Brazil: A Cross-Cultural Analysis ." Master's thesis, Ohio University, 2013. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1366842311

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)