HRMIS assignment

Article review

SEMESTER III
By - Ratnesh lad (M2022hrm051)
Submitted to – Prof. Sarala Rao
 Review 1-
A bubble in the making:
symbolic boundaries in a Finnish
expatriate community
The research employs an immersive ethnographic approach, specifically focused ethnography, to
explore the symbolic boundaries within the Finnish expatriate community in a Southeast Asian
country. The choice of this method is particularly appropriate for understanding the nuances of
expatriate life, as it involves immersive fieldwork, direct observations, informal conversations,
interviews, and an analysis of an expatriate's blog. These methods ensure a comprehensive
examination of how symbolic boundaries are constructed and maintained within the community.

The fieldwork involved a one-week visit to the host city, during which the researcher fully immersed
themselves in the expatriate community. This approach allowed for direct observations of daily
routines, interactions, and practices, offering a unique perspective into the community's dynamics.
Interviews with expatriate members enriched the study by providing insights into their perceptions,
beliefs, and behaviors.

In addition to fieldwork, the research analyzed an expatriate's blog to gain insights into the
community's self-presentation and digital interactions. This digital ethnography adds an interesting
dimension to the study, as it explores how expatriates represent themselves and their experiences in
a virtual environment. The combination of these methods ensures a multifaceted view of the
symbolic boundaries at play within the community.

Key Findings:

The research article identifies and elaborates on three primary categories of symbolic boundaries
within the Finnish expatriate community. These categories represent how expatriates distinguish
themselves from their host environment, other Western expatriates, and even within their own
national community:

Cultural Boundaries: Expatriates construct cultural boundaries by accentuating the differences

between their Western identity and the local culture. These differences often revolve around cultural
values and practices, with a particular emphasis on the perception of the local population's mindset
as irrational or illogical. The study draws parallels between these cultural distinctions and colonialist
discourse, highlighting the complexity of cultural boundary construction.

Spatial Boundaries: Spatial boundaries are created based on the places and venues favored by the
expatriate community. Expatriates tend to gather in Western-style locations, effectively
distinguishing between areas deemed suitable for Western expatriates and those that are considered
the domain of locals. These spatial distinctions are essential for creating a sense of belonging and
familiarity in an otherwise foreign environment.

Moral Boundaries: Expatriates also establish moral boundaries by separating themselves from
tourists. They perceive tourists as culturally ignorant and unprepared for cross-cultural interactions,
judging their behavior as immature or morally shameful. This moral boundary is rooted in the
expatriates' self-perceived maturity and competence in navigating the host culture. It emphasizes
their distinct moral identity.

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The research delves into the construction and maintenance of these symbolic boundaries,
elucidating the active role expatriates play in shaping their own "expatriate bubble." It underscores
the significance of these boundaries in creating a sense of identity and belonging within the
community.

Theoretical Implications:

The study's theoretical framework is grounded in the theory of symbolic boundaries developed by
Lamont and Molnár (2002). This theoretical perspective highlights how individuals and social groups
create symbolic distinctions to define themselves and differentiate between insiders and outsiders.
In the context of the Finnish expatriate community, the study demonstrates that expatriates are
actively engaged in the production and maintenance of symbolic boundaries.

One of the primary theoretical implications of the study is the recognition that expatriates
themselves are the architects of the "bubble." The symbolic boundaries that insulate the national
expatriate community are not imposed externally but are the result of voluntary boundary work by
the expatriates themselves. These boundaries are constructed through recurring demarcations based
on cultural, moral, and spatial differences. This insight challenges the notion that expatriates are
passive recipients of a predefined community and highlights their agency in shaping their identity.

Moreover, the research emphasizes the inherent fragility of these symbolic boundaries. They require
continuous reproduction to uphold the community's sense of identity and belonging. As such, the
study reveals that expatriate bubbles are not static; they are continuously evolving and are subject to
challenges and changes. This understanding has broader implications for the study of expatriate
communities and their dynamics.

Practical Considerations:

The study underscores the importance of expatriates engaging in reflexivity. Expatriates should
critically examine their daily habits, language use, and other practices that contribute to the
construction of symbolic boundaries. This self-awareness is crucial for understanding how their
actions perpetuate distinctions between the community and the external environment. By reflecting
on their role in symbolic boundary construction, expatriates can better appreciate the complexities
of their interactions and identity formation.

Furthermore, the research suggests that expatriate communities should be conscious of the
potential challenges that arise from the multiplicity of different types of symbolic boundaries. When
various boundaries intersect or contradict each other, it can create internal divisions within the
community. The study of Finnish expatriates exemplifies how junior and seasoned expatriates
perceive the "bubble" lifestyle differently, leading to potential conflicts. These practical
considerations are essential for maintaining a cohesive and inclusive expatriate community.

Broader Context of Expatriate Communities:

To gain a deeper understanding of the significance of the study, it is essential to consider its findings
within the broader context of expatriate communities worldwide. Expatriate communities exist in
various forms and are characterized by their unique dynamics, challenges, and identities.

Expatriates, by definition, are individuals who temporarily live in a foreign country for work, study, or
other reasons. These communities often form as a response to shared challenges, such as navigating

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a foreign culture, language, and legal systems. This shared experience fosters a sense of solidarity
and community, which is vital for emotional and practical support.

Expatriate communities vary greatly in terms of their size, composition, and characteristics. Some
expatriate communities are large and diverse, comprising people from multiple nationalities and
backgrounds. In contrast, others, like the Finnish expatriate community in the study, may be
relatively small and focused on specific professional or national affiliations.

The study of symbolic boundaries has relevance for all expatriate communities, regardless of their
size or composition. It highlights the universal challenge of balancing the desire for a sense of
belonging and familiarity within the expatriate community while simultaneously engaging with the
local culture and society. In larger, more diverse expatriate communities, the construction of
symbolic boundaries may be even more complex, as it involves interactions between multiple
national and cultural identities. This study, therefore, serves as a valuable model for understanding
these dynamics and their practical implications.

Expatriate communities often rely on physical spaces, such as international schools, community
centers, and specific residential areas, to foster a sense of belonging. These spatial boundaries are
essential for creating a sense of home away from home.

Furthermore, the study's emphasis on the fragility of symbolic boundaries is pertinent for all
expatriate communities. These communities are inherently transitory, as expatriates eventually
return to their home countries or move to new assignments. This constant flux can challenge the
stability of these boundaries, as individuals enter and exit the community.

In essence, the study's findings provide insights that can be applied to a wide range of expatriate
communities around the world. Expatriate bubbles, while unique in their specifics, share common
themes of identity formation, boundary work, and interaction with the host culture. Understanding
these dynamics is crucial for fostering inclusive and supportive expatriate communities.

Conclusion:

The research article offers a comprehensive exploration of symbolic boundaries within the Finnish
expatriate community. Its use of focused ethnography, theoretical framework, practical insights, and
broader contextual understanding provides a holistic view of how expatriates construct and maintain
their identities and sense of belonging.

The study underscores that expatriates actively participate in shaping their own "expatriate bubble"
and highlights the dynamic and evolving nature of symbolic boundaries. Furthermore, it emphasizes
the importance of reflexivity and self-awareness among expatriates to understand their role in
constructing these boundaries.

While the research is focused on a specific expatriate community, its findings have broader
implications for the study of expatriate communities worldwide. These communities, whether large
or small, face similar challenges in balancing their sense of belonging with interactions in the host
culture. Recognizing the fragility of symbolic boundaries and their potential impact on community
dynamics is vital for fostering inclusive and supportive expatriate communities.

In a globalized world where expatriate communities are a common phenomenon, this research
provides a valuable framework for understanding the complexities of identity and community among
individuals living away from their home countries.

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 Review 2-
Expatriate bubbles in Dubai:

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 expatriates from West and East
cohabitating with locals
The introduction serves as a captivating gateway to the article, effectively setting the stage for the in-
depth exploration of expatriate life in Dubai. It begins by highlighting Dubai's longstanding allure for
expatriates - a city renowned for its career opportunities, tax-free environment, and an international
lifestyle. This depiction is crucial in immersing the reader in the context, as Dubai's popularity among
expatriates is a pivotal component of the study.

Dubai's global reputation as a hub for career-driven individuals is underscored, a reflection of the
city's meteoric rise in recent decades. This presentation immediately engages readers, as it resonates
with those who may have contemplated relocating to such a cosmopolitan destination.

The introduction adeptly recognizes the transient and cosmopolitan nature of Dubai. It provides a
glimpse into the experiences of expatriates who come to Dubai, often leaving behind their social
networks and cultures of origin, to embark on new journeys in a city that is both alluring and
unfamiliar. This combination of the alluring and the unknown creates an enticing paradox, an
essential aspect of the expatriate experience.

The methodology section successfully communicates the process of coding, wherein the raw data
from interviews were systematically categorized into first-order codes, then further refined into
second-order codes. This demonstrates a meticulous and structured approach to data analysis. The
involvement of colleagues for discussions, despite not participating in the research, serves as an
additional layer of validation and quality control.

Importantly, this methodology aligns with the research objectives - to comprehensively understand
the social stratification and cultural context of expatriate life in Dubai. It ensures that the findings are
rooted in authentic experiences and perceptions.

Findings:

The findings section forms the heart of the article, offering a multifaceted exploration of the
expatriate experience in Dubai. This section can be subdivided into several key themes, each
revealing a layer of complexity in the lives of expatriates:

Dubai at First Sight: The first theme delves into the initial attraction that Dubai holds for expatriates.
This section is critical in elucidating why individuals from diverse backgrounds are drawn to Dubai. It
highlights the city's appeal, such as promising job opportunities, reduced work-related stress, higher
remuneration, and a fast-paced cultural environment. This theme provides a foundational
understanding of what motivates individuals to embark on an expatriate journey to Dubai.

Social Stratification of Expatriates: The central theme of the article is social stratification, particularly
within the expatriate community. It unravels a hierarchical structure where local Emiratis occupy the
highest status, followed by Western expatriates. Notably, the article places significant emphasis on
specific attributes that determine social status, such as genuine British accents and Western
education. The exploration of social inequalities within expatriate communities is a critical facet of
this theme.

Expatriate Bubbles: This section investigates the formation of distinct expatriate bubbles in Dubai. It
identifies three separate communities: local Emiratis, Western expatriates (encompassing Eastern
Europeans), and expatriates from the East. The article illuminates how these communities seldom

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interact and elucidates the challenges in crossing their boundaries. This concept of "expatriate
bubbles" is a significant contribution to understanding the dynamics of expatriate life.

Cultural Context: The article provides a comprehensive exploration of the cultural context in Dubai. It
sheds light on how culture influences various aspects of expatriates' lives, from their leisure activities
to social interactions. The discussion on gender dynamics, religion, and alcohol consumption adds
depth to the analysis, revealing the intricate interplay between culture and the experiences of
expatriates.

These findings collectively provide a profound and multifaceted understanding of the expatriate
experience in Dubai. The article's strength lies in its ability to dissect the expatriate journey into
these distinct themes, each contributing to a holistic comprehension of life in a cosmopolitan and
transient city.

Conclusion:

In the conclusion, the article effectively summarizes the key findings, reinforcing the notion that
Dubai offers significant career opportunities for expatriates. It acknowledges the challenges and
opportunities experienced by individuals, emphasizing that certain characteristics, such as whiteness
and English fluency, play a pivotal role in shaping one's expatriate experience. The article astutely
highlights the transience of expatriate assignments and its impact on interactions within the city.

In conclusion, the article effectively encapsulates the key takeaways from the research, providing
readers with a clear and concise summary of the complex dynamics at play in Dubai's expatriate
community.

The article presents a robust exploration of the dynamics within expatriate communities in Dubai.
Here are some additional observations and insights:

Unique Concept of "Expatriate Bubbles": The introduction of the term "expatriate bubbles" is a
valuable contribution to the field of expatriation studies. It illustrates how nationality, social
background, and other factors influence the formation of distinct social communities within the
expatriate population. This concept provides a fresh perspective on expatriate experiences.

Social Stratification in Expatriate Communities: The article delves deeply into the issue of social
stratification, particularly the factors that contribute to hierarchies among expatriates. The emphasis
on the influence of accents, education, and whiteness is thought-provoking. It underscores the
inequalities that can exist within expatriate communities.

Cultural Context's Impact: The analysis of the cultural context in Dubai adds a critical dimension to
the study. It shows how culture affects various aspects of expatriates' lives, from leisure activities to
social interactions. The discussion on gender dynamics, religion, and alcohol consumption provides a
comprehensive view of the cultural context.

Practical Implications: The article offers practical insights for individuals considering a move to Dubai.
It emphasizes the importance of understanding the cultural and social dynamics in the city. Readers
gain an understanding of the challenges and opportunities they may encounter based on their
backgrounds.

Limitations and Future Research: It is worth acknowledging the study's limitations, such as the
relatively small sample size. Future research could expand on this study by including a more

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extensive and diverse participant pool, potentially providing even deeper insights into expatriate
communities in Dubai.

The two papers discussed above aim to introduce a variety of research perspectives and offer fresh
empirical and conceptual insight into the dynamics of mobile working communities. While there is
always a need for advancing our current understanding on expatriate “bubbles”, the aim of this
papers is to examine critically aspects of mobile work communities that are relevant to international
human resource management (HRM) but have yet to be fully acknowledged or integrated within
mainstream studies. These papers, taken in combination, might serve not only to delineate current
frontiers in international HRM and expatriation research but also inspire work on new (and, perhaps,
as yet unidentified) themes. The research represented encourage much needed further empirical
and conceptual studies that might advance our current understanding of expatriation and mobile
work communities.