Suddenly I Felt Like a Migrant: Identity and Mobility Threats Facing European Self-Initiated Expatriates in the UK under Brexit
Date issued
January 4, 2022
In
Academy of Management Discoveries
From page
1
To page
54
Reviewed by peer
1
Subjects
Self-initiated expatriates (SIEs) mobility identification identity threat identity work Brexit
Abstract
In recent years, several countries have undertaken political initiatives
aimed at reducing immigration. At present, we lack a clear understanding of how self-initiated expatriates (SIEs) living in these
countries interpret and respond to such initiatives. The United Kingdom’s 2016 “Brexit” referendum decision to leave the European Union presents an example of one such initiative potentially impacting the mobility, UK identification, and future aspirations of European SIEs living in the UK.
We draw on 41 in-depth interviews with SIEs from 18 European countries who had voluntarily chosen to relocate to the UK and analyze
how they interpreted the Brexit vote, as well as its impact on their
identities and migration plans. We identify four types of SIEs based on
their perceived mobility and identification with the UK prior to the Brexit referendum, each of which was associated with a distinct reaction pattern related to the outcome of the referendum. Our findings have implications for the study of SIEs, as well as for talent managers charged with their retention. We suggest directions for future research in SIE management.
aimed at reducing immigration. At present, we lack a clear understanding of how self-initiated expatriates (SIEs) living in these
countries interpret and respond to such initiatives. The United Kingdom’s 2016 “Brexit” referendum decision to leave the European Union presents an example of one such initiative potentially impacting the mobility, UK identification, and future aspirations of European SIEs living in the UK.
We draw on 41 in-depth interviews with SIEs from 18 European countries who had voluntarily chosen to relocate to the UK and analyze
how they interpreted the Brexit vote, as well as its impact on their
identities and migration plans. We identify four types of SIEs based on
their perceived mobility and identification with the UK prior to the Brexit referendum, each of which was associated with a distinct reaction pattern related to the outcome of the referendum. Our findings have implications for the study of SIEs, as well as for talent managers charged with their retention. We suggest directions for future research in SIE management.
Publication type
journal article
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