The global mobility decisions of professional sailors' spouses. Issue 2 (12th June 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mutter, Joanne
• Is Part Of: Journal of global mobility. Volume 5:Issue 2(2017)
• Page Start: 203
• Page End: 219
• Publication Date: 2017-06-12
• Subjects: Expatriates -- Work-family interface -- Family relatedness of work decisions -- Global assignments -- Non-corporate expatriate -- Spouses/significant others -- Women's careers; Aliens -- Periodicals; Foreign workers -- Periodicals; Labor mobility -- Periodicals; Labor and globalization -- Periodicals; 305.90691
• DOI: 10.1108/JGM-08-2016-0035
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2049-8799

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to identify the factors informing spousal global mobility decisions within the context of sporting expatriation. Findings contribute to the non-corporate global mobility literature as well as providing an empirical enhancement to the family relatedness of work decisions framework. Design/methodology/approach: In this qualitative study, in-depth interviews gave voice to 21 spouses of professional sailors who have experienced both trailing their spouse and staying behind. Findings: Access to empathetic social support, the potential impact on children, and the spouse's career were all found to influence the spouse's dynamic global mobility decision making. Research limitations/implications: The study is limited by the cross-sectional nature of the research. Future longitudinal research into the impact of spousal preferences would identify the on-going effect of their decision(s) to relocate or to stay behind. Practical implications: Providing organisations with an understanding of the familial issues their global talent may factor into their work mobility decisions will allow them to implement appropriate family-focussed support, irrespective of the choice to engage, or not engage, in global mobility. Originality/value: By grounding the study in the under-researched sporting arena, the author contributes to the emerging non-corporate expatriate conversation. Furthermore, the family relatedness of work-related decisions framework was found to provide a useful conceptual foundation for understanding decision making in an international context.