Malaysian Construction Self-Initiated Expatriate (SIE): Characteristics, Motivations And Repatriation Factors
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Date
2018-06
Authors
Ishak, Norakmarwati
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Abstract
Self-initiated expatriates (SIE) are a sub-group of immigrant workforce in the
study of international migration. They comprise of professionals, who on their own,
initiated the migration process without depending on any organization. Their numbers
are increasing and resulting in a brain drain of skilled workforce from the nation.
Previous studies have indicated difficulties in identifying specific features of this subgroup
and separating the SIE as an entity outside of the international migration
theory. Previous studies on SIE have focused on career management and personal
orientation of individuals and the studies were fragmented. Therefore this study aims
to propose a comprehensive theoretical framework of the SIE. The objective of this
study is to identify the demographics and characteristics including factors that may
influence their decisions to migrate and changes in their country of origin that causing
their repatriation. Next objective is to determine their benefits towards home country
and the effective method to channel their expertise that will contribute to the
development of their country of origin. The study utilises both quantitative and
qualitative approaches. Survey forms were distributed online involving 127 SIE
respondents who had emigrated from Malaysia. However, only four respondents
agreed to be interviewed. One finding indicated that age at migration is closely related
to the motivation to migrate that in turn is dominated by salary, personal inclination,
sense of adventure and the challenge to excel. SIEs have the perception that
acceptance by employers of host countries is based on the priority of academic
excellence and knowledgeable of the profession.
Description
Keywords
Malaysian construction Self-initiated expatriate , characteristics, motivations and repatriation factors