Global Mobility Research Articles

Beyond global mobility: how human capital shapes the MNE in the 21st century

Beyond global mobility: how human capital shapes the MNE in the 21st century

Reviving global mobility: Exploring traditional and virtual study abroad management

Reviving global mobility: Exploring traditional and virtual study abroad management

Deservingness and temporal borders: the reproduction of global mobility hierarchies in Swedish family reunification

European immigration policy is increasingly selective and stratified, favoring immigrants considered productive in the eyes of society. Using the case of Swedish family reunification, this article investigates how ideas of deservingness underlie this selection process and how it intersects with temporal bordering, impacting hierarchies of transnational mobility. Through qualitative interviews with individuals across a spectrum of legal statuses, the study finds that the increased connection between immigration policy and the housing and labor markets, combined with restrictions concerning visas, age, and legal status, induce and reproduce inequalities in waiting times and access to reunification. Within these restrictions, however, families find ways to circumvent the wait and get family time. The study contributes to the temporal turn in migration studies by exploring reunification among families with diverse backgrounds, complementing previous literature’s focus on the experiences of forced migrants. By considering how deservingness and temporal bordering shape mobility, the article offers both conceptual and empirical contributions to mobility and migration studies. Ultimately, the study brings forward a nuanced analysis of the consequences of restrictive shifts in Swedish immigration policy, contributing to the broader understanding of the current, transnational, mobility regimes.

Looking back to look forward: Disruption, innovation and future trends in international human resource management

Recent global challenges, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic, have underscored the critical role of human resources in international business, pushing disruptions and innovations to the forefront of international human resource management (IHRM) research and practice. This special issue editorial provides a timely and in-depth examination of the evolving IHRM landscape, reflecting on the profound changes brought by the pandemic and investigating the transformative potential of AI-driven innovations in shaping an uncertain future. Through our exploration, we challenge several dangerous assumptions that global leaders must navigate and propose a forward-looking research agenda for the IHRM field. Our analysis highlights five key themes: (1) demographic shifts and diversity, (2) evolving patterns in globalization and global mobility, (3) the complexities of managing global workforces, (4) emerging dynamics in international careers, and (5) the role of multinational enterprises (MNEs) and international small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Together, these themes offer a comprehensive framework for advancing IHRM research and practice in an increasingly complex and dynamic global environment.

Differences in Changes of Mobility Patterns Across the Globe—Evidence From a Natural Experiment

ABSTRACTThe impact of population mobility and transportation choices on the environment is significant. Sustainable mobility policies require an understanding of evolving mobility patterns. This study examines global mobility variations across countries using COVID‐19 Community Mobility Reports. Employing the k‐medoids algorithm and Dynamic Time Warping, we analyzed mobility dynamics. Results reveal diverse changes in population mobility. Around 52 Global North countries exhibit approximately 10% reduction in professional activity‐related traffic post‐COVID‐19. Regarding urban green space mobility, only 29 countries exhibit strong seasonality, with summer traffic in the northern hemisphere peaking at about 150% higher than winter traffic. Three groups of countries are identified concerning public transport mobility: returning to pre‐pandemic levels, experiencing a 25% increase, and nearly doubling from pre‐pandemic levels. This underscores the key determinants for sustainable mobility policy implementation. Fifteen highly developed countries share similar mobility patterns across six areas studied, facilitating the exchange of sustainable mobility solutions and best practices. This research underscores the importance of understanding and addressing evolving mobility patterns for effective environmental policy planning.

Materializing global academic mobility through the eyes of program coordinators: Comparative insights from a Romanian-U.S. institutional Erasmus+ agreement

Erasmus+, the European Union’s mobility program has been researched extensively (e.g., De Wit, 2020), yet mobility program coordinators at higher education institutions responsible for student, faculty, and staff exchanges remain under-researched. This comparative study showcases a Romanian-U.S. Erasmus + partnership established between Universitatea Babeş-Bolyai in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, and North Dakota State University in Fargo, United States. The study draws on (auto-)ethnographic explorations to investigate two coordinators’ roles, responsibilities, and experiences and explores the infrastructure and qualifications needed to facilitate mobility programs. It concludes that the materialization of mobility agreements relies on a combination of personal and institutional motivations, interests, and goals. High levels of individual initiative, linguistic/cultural knowledge, connections, and consistent involvement on the part of the coordinators facilitating the process are required. We advocate for more institutionalized incentives and recognition for coordinators to continue shaping the future of global mobility in higher education.

The Interaction of Global Economy Mobility on the Financial Performance of Flagged Airlines

This study examines the impact of global economic mobility and domestic production on revenue and EBITDA, which are income statement performance indicators of flagged carrier’s airline companies. The research question is whether the global economic trade mobility and domestic production will lead to an effect in the number of individuals traveling, and thus eventually affect the revenue and profitability performance of airline companies. There are studies in the literature that have selected macroeconomic indicators as affecting travel volume and financials. In this study, trade openness and direct investments represent the global economy's mobility. Short-term interest rates, oil prices and exchange rates are included in the model as a control variable. The results of the panel model indicate that trade openness have a positive effect on firms' revenues. Airline companies should develop their financial forecasts by monitoring the macroeconomic indicators that have shown significant results from empirical analysis.

EXPERIENCES OF FILIPINO TEACHERS IN THE GULF COOPERATION COUNCIL (GCC) COUNTRIES’ HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

This study explores the experiences of Filipino teachers working in higher education institutions within Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, focusing on the challenges they encounter and the teaching strategies they apply. In-depth interviews were done by researchers using qualitative methodologies. Criterion sampling is used to choose the participants for this study. The criteria are as follows: teachers should be teaching in a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) country; (2) they should have rendered at least 9-11 years of teaching experience to capture a wide range of perspectives in higher educational institutions in the GCC countries; and (3) Participants should be from the undergraduate programme. The researchers interviewed five participants from higher education institutions in one of the GCC countries for IDI, all of whom fell within Creswell's recommended ranges. The collected data was subjected to a thematic analysis while ethical guidelines were followed. The study results highlight that Filipino teachers in GCC higher education institutions face challenges and opportunities in adapting to the teaching and learning process. This includes the utilization of the spoon-feeding method, the direct teaching approach, and the application of the Socratic method. Teachers also reported dealing with minimal student engagement, having difficulty managing students, being passive students, having poor attendance, and having a language barrier. The study underscores the importance of tailored support systems to enhance the integration and effectiveness of foreign educators in GCC higher education. These insights contribute to a deeper understanding of the global mobility of educators and the evolving landscape of higher education in the GCC region.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0713/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

New German Administrative Guidance Concerning Permanent Establishments: A Chance to Reflect on the Application of the AOA in Relation to the Global Mobility of Personnel

This article addresses the topic of remote working, highlighting recent German administrative rules on permanent establishment and place of management and discussing the issues involved in income allocation.

Characterization of dynamic changes in cardiac microstructure after reperfused ST-elevation myocardial infarction by biphasic diffusion tensor cardiovascular magnetic resonance.

Microstructural disturbances underlie dysfunctional contraction and adverse left ventricular (LV) remodelling after ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Biphasic diffusion tensor cardiovascular magnetic resonance (DT-CMR) quantifies dynamic reorientation of sheetlets (E2A) from diastole to systole during myocardial thickening, and markers of tissue integrity [mean diffusivity (MD) and fractional anisotropy (FA)]. This study investigated whether microstructural alterations identified by biphasic DT-CMR: (i) enable contrast-free detection of acute myocardial infarction (MI); (ii) associate with severity of myocardial injury and contractile dysfunction; and (iii) predict adverse LV remodelling. Biphasic DT-CMR was acquired 4 days (n = 70) and 4 months (n = 66) after reperfused STEMI and in healthy volunteers (HVOLs) (n = 22). Adverse LV remodelling was defined as an increase in LV end-diastolic volume ≥ 20% at 4 months. MD and FA maps were compared with late gadolinium enhancement images. Widespread microstructural disturbances were detected post-STEMI. In the acute MI zone, diastolic E2A was raised and systolic E2A reduced, resulting in reduced E2A mobility (all P < .001 vs. adjacent and remote zones and HVOLs). Acute global E2A mobility was the only independent predictor of adverse LV remodelling (odds ratio .77; 95% confidence interval .63-.94; P = .010). MD and FA maps had excellent sensitivity and specificity (all > 90%) and interobserver agreement for detecting MI presence and location. Biphasic DT-CMR identifies microstructural alterations in both diastole and systole after STEMI, enabling detection of MI presence and location as well as predicting adverse LV remodelling. DT-CMR has potential to provide a single contrast-free modality for MI detection and prognostication of patients after acute STEMI.

Linguistic racism and micro-aggressions in everyday encounters of African migrants in China: A challenge to the nation’s strategic vision for Africa?

Linguistic racism and microaggressions have their origins in the Western world, but their foci and methods are certainly applicable to any society in the age of global mobility. Drawing upon semi-structured interviews, observations and fieldnotes data informed by African migrants in China, this study expands these two notions in China – a country outside the centre and Anglosphere. I illustrate how linguistic racism manifested through shunning and social exclusion, as well as microaggressions practiced explicitly or implicitly in verbal interpersonal interactions. These verbal expressions often appeared subtle, innocuous, or even complimentary, yet they carried negative connotations, reminding the participants that they were linguistically and racially inferior to the Chinese. It is worth noting that the unequal and inequitable realities were perpetuated not only by those who were structurally privileged, but also by the victims’ acceptance, tolerance and complicity. This study, therefore, allows us to see an important, ongoing and often unnoticed social problem in China’s recent interactions with the world, highlighting the limitations of the Sino-African friendship rhetoric in addressing the challenges arising from the recent influx of African migrants to China. Implications for multicultural education and a society that honours diversity are discussed at the end of the article.

Why is Tesla’s Business model so effective and what can they adapt to improve it?

The electric vehicle (EV) revolution is gaining momentum and Tesla is playing a key role in promoting environmentally friendly transport. However, Tesla faces challenges in expanding its charging infrastructure, which lags behind its competitors. Currently, Tesla has about 16.8 thousand to 17.7 thousand chargers in the US, while competitors such as Chargepoint offer about 34 thousand chargers. As the increase in the use of electric vehicles is estimated to reach 28.3 million vehicles by 2030, the charging network urgently needs to be improved. S\&amp;P Global Mobility recommends a fourfold increase in charging points, especially Level 2 and Level 3 chargers, between 2022 and 2025 to meet growing demand. Tesla has two main options: collaborate with other companies to create a more interconnected network or continue to build its stations. The development of Tesla's Magic Dock technology, which allows other electric vehicles to use Tesla's chargers, marks progress, but also brings challenges, such as compatibility issues due to cable length. Tesla must address these concerns to ensure that its charging network keeps pace with rapid EV growth and supports a wider range of EVs.

Global Mobility and Double Taxation. Proposals for Improving the Efficiency and Effectiveness of Tax Treaties

Global Mobility and Double Taxation. Proposals for Improving the Efficiency and Effectiveness of Tax Treaties

Digitalization and expatriate cross-cultural adjustment: the role of mobile apps

PurposeThis study explores the role of digitalization, especially mobile apps, in expatriate cross-cultural adjustment. The role of digitalization is under-researched and under-recognized in the current literature on global mobility, but is becoming a significant factor in expatriate cross-cultural adjustment.Design/methodology/approachAs the research is exploratory, it uses qualitative methods, specifically in-depth interviews and rigorous thematic analysis. It is based on 31 respondents from 16 higher education organizations across 10 cities in five provinces/municipalities in China, a country with one of the highest levels of digitalization in daily life.FindingsThe most significant finding is that mobile apps are central to expatriate cross-cultural adjustment in China. Such apps both enable adjustment if used actively and hinder adjustment significantly if resisted or not used effectively. However high motivation is required to cope with the incompatibility between the infrastructure of mobile apps in China and expatriates’ previous experiences.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is based on expatriate academics in China, where digitalization is widespread and local apps rather than international apps are predominant. Hence expatriates may feel a greater impact of digitalization on daily life and work than in less digitalized societies. A major implication is that digitalization should be considered as a potentially significant factor in expatriate cross-cultural adjustment.Practical implicationsHost country governments, employers, app developers and expatriates, all need to consider the use of mobile apps in cross-cultural adjustment and retention of expatriates.Originality/valueThis study identifies the role of digitalization, especially mobile apps, in expatriate cross-cultural adjustment in a highly digitalized environment, which has not been recognized in previous research. It proposes the concept of “digital distance” that should be considered alongside “cultural distance” in the context of expatriate cross-cultural adjustment.

EXPLORING INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY BRANCHES IN UZBEKISTAN: OPPORTUNITIES, CHALLENGES AND IMPROVEMENT PATHWAYS

International University Branch Campuses in Uzbekistan present significant opportunities for advancing the country’s higher education landscape. These institutions offer advanced educational quality through internationally recognized curricula and faculty., promote global recognition and mobility. However, they also face challenges. Issues include language proficiency among faculty and students, which impede a positive students experience. Varieties in English proficiency among students in the classroom settings hinder motivation for study and a successful academic performance. Addressing these challenges requires language support programs, prioritizing language proficiency language proficiency in faculty hiring and tailored admission requirements to align student abilities with academic demands. By tackling these challenges, IUBCs can maximize their positive impact on Uzbekistan’s higher education system and enhance education quality in these institutions.

Understanding the role of the COVID-19 pandemic on risky driving behavior and injury severity of drivers: Embracing heterogeneity in means and variances

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic significantly altered global mobility patterns, leading to a marked decrease in travel activities worldwide. In the United States, travel demand fell notably, contributing to a 22% reduction in overall crashes in 2020 compared to the prior year. In Oregon, vehicle miles traveled dropped by 10.8%, and crashes decreased by 23.9%, yet fatalities increased by 2.63%. This rise in fatal crashes is linked to altered driving behaviors, including aggressive, distracted, and impaired driving.This study investigates factors related to risky driving behavior-induced crashes in Oregon during the pandemic. Utilizing a random parameters multinomial logit model that accommodates heterogeneity, we found significant correlations between reckless behaviors—such as driving without a license, speeding, and neglecting to use restraints—and the severity of injuries. Our findings indicate temporal instability in factors contributing to injury severity. In 2019, severe injuries were more common in crashes involving drug use, drivers aged 45–54, and in speed zones of 45–55 mph. In 2020, young drivers under 25 and night-time crashes on lit streets were more likely to result in severe injuries. This research sheds light on the impact of COVID-19 on driver behavior and injury severity, particularly concerning aggressive driving. The identified risk factors are crucial for state and federal agencies to enhance road safety measures and ensure safer environments for all road users.

Assessing the impact of brexit on UK-based inventor teams' connectivity

Contemporary events have challenged the idea of an inevitable rise in connectivity. Economic, geopolitical, and regulatory disruptions have led scholars and practitioners to consider the potential implications that a loss of global mobility and connectedness has on the potential for knowledge creation. Although key to this process, the notion of connectivity has seldom been studied along with disruptions. To fill in this gap, this paper intends to investigate the impact of an unprecedented regulatory shock - the 2016 United Kingdom European Union (EU) membership referendum - on UK-based inventor teams' knowledge connectivity. There is considerable literature documenting a negative relationship between the uncertainty generated by disruptions and innovation. We add a complementary and potentially ameliorating effect whereby disruptions increase knowledge connectivity. We review the evidence for the former and discuss potential mechanisms behind the latter. Relying on patent application data from 2009 to 2022, we observe an overall increase in connectivity for teams with at least one inventor based out of the UK after the referendum. Our analysis also suggests an internationalization of UK teams taking precedence over what may have been a more regional focus. We discuss the immediate, and potential long-term implications of this dynamic for UK innovation.

Special issue: Middle‐class Indian students: Migration recruiters and aspirations

AbstractThis paper explores the perspectives and hopes of the Indian middle class regarding international migration, specifically focusing on educational mobility. It discusses the obstacles that students encounter in a fluctuating economy, their dependence on family resources and financial support for studying abroad, as well as the importance of social networks. Furthermore, it analyses how social media platforms aid migration and addresses the influence of privatisation and global mobility on student decision‐making. The paper also highlights Indian students' desires to embody ideal neoliberal characteristics to secure prestigious employment while fulfilling cultural expectations within middle‐class households. Additionally, it investigates how migration facilitation and migrants' actions contribute to new migration routes. The research contextualises these changes in students balancing conflicting pressures and ambitions across different locations with cosmopolitan migrant ideals at its core.

Prohibited journeys: power, mobility and resistance in early-modern Spain and Spanish America

This article explores the Spanish Crown’s increasing regulations on mobility and their attempts to inspect and classify transatlantic travellers, highlighting both top-down and bottom-up expressions of power. It explores the efforts of early modern power to control movement, while tracing their shortcomings and limitations, as well as the means through which some travellers reclaimed power and their freedom to move. The article offers an overview of the Crown’s initial efforts to control movement, using historical accounts to enhance our understanding of the complex interaction between mobility and power, and how they shaped each other. By considering public policies, testimonies from local authorities, and freedom litigation suits, the article traces how power was resisted and balanced through individual responses and legal mechanisms, contributing to more nuanced and interdisciplinary views of power dynamics, the free movement of people, and global mobility studies. Drawing on Michel Foucault’s concept of disciplinary power, it proposes tracing earlier stages of this diffused form of power, shedding new light on mobility as a governing mechanism and as an amalgam of experiences that reconfigure power relations and convey stories of resistance.

EMI AND ELF IN TEACHING LANGUAGES OTHER THAN ENGLISH

The increasing global mobility has led to a rise in multilingual classrooms, making foreign language teaching more complex. In such environments, using students’ native languages to teach foreign languages has become problematic. This challenge is even more pronounced when teaching languages other than English (LOTEs) in multilingual settings, where relying on a common native language is no longer feasible. This is especially true for high-context languages, which depend heavily on contextual and non-verbal cues for communication. These languages often convey implicit information, requiring a deep understanding of context, shared experiences, and cultural references for effective communication. Examples of high-context languages include Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Thai, Arabic, and Spanish.