Telling tales: Using narratives and story-telling to understand the challenges faced by a sample of self-initiated expatriates in South Africa

摘要: South Africa has witnessed an increase in self-initiated academic expatriates (SIAEs) coming into the country from all over world. This movement of labour can result performing better than any other African country. However, expatriation is accompanied by several challenges which affect both work and non-work scopes. Given that more needed to understand lived experiences expatriates, especially Africa, purpose this paper provide basis for interventions assist overcoming understanding their experiences.,The study used interpretivist approach SIAEs. The data were collected through use unstructured interviews 25 expatriate academics within Africa. individual narratives analysed structural thematic analysis develop themes.,Through stories narratives, experience was one framed be a challenging process. grouped life career experiences. consist immigration difficulties, family separation, social adjustment difficulties unavailability accommodation. Career include remuneration differences, gender discrimination, limited professional development opportunities communication Person–environment fit did not play significant role expatriates.,The findings showed SIAEs mostly negative. Higher education institutions looking at hiring should have only benefit but institutional as well. placed hands organisation may also require effort.,The outlined picture context. are fundamental neglected sample group extant literature. They advancing literature proposing possible solutions. All important, given global talent shortages warranted need highly skilled employees countries like