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From expatriates' information needs to information management in the expatriation cycle

Andre, M and Barrulas, M J (2006) From expatriates' information needs to information management in the expatriation cycle. In Guerrero-Bote, V P, Eds. Proceedings I International Conference on Multidisciplinary Information Sciences and Technologies, pages pp. 434-438, Mérida.

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Abstract

This study is aimed at to identify and to understand the role of information in what concerns the mobility process of top executives, helping organisations to make the most of their expatriates’ experiences. The methodological approach chosen was the case study, carried out in an economic group of the Portuguese financial sector with several business operations abroad. Several data collection methods were used, including a questionnaire survey, in-depth interviews and in loco interaction with the expatriates in three different countries. Based on the analysis of expatriates’ information needs, a typology of information throughout the complete cycle is described and two critical moments are identified. These moments correspond to transitions of expatriates’ informational spaces: first the moment of arrival to the host country and second, when they return to their home country. The incorporation of expatriates’ information in the organizational information system, across the various phases of the expatriation cycle, is summarized.

EPrint Type:Conference Paper
Keywords:Expatriates, Information Needs, Information Management, Case Study, Finance Sector
Subjects:Information Science
Interdisciplinarity
Information Seeking Behaviors
Management
Qualitative Research
ID Code:1753
Deposited On:06 February 2007
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