Abstract: At a time when global mobility is undergoing significant transformation, and when diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) internationally is being both strongly advocated and resisted, this webinar explores minority expatriates. The webinar commences with defining minority expatriates and overviewing the development of the field. The webinar then delves into research on several minority group expatriates including women, LGBTIQA+, culturally/ethnically diverse and neurodivergent groups. Women expatriates’ mobility opportunities and global workplace experiences have long differed from men counterparts. LGBTIQA+/diverse genders, bodies and sexualities expatriates experience challenges or opportunities in differing cultural and legal environments. Culturally and ethnically diverse expatriates’ experiences can be shaped by systemic inequalities and varying degrees of acceptance in host locations. Neurodivergent people, whilst receiving growing attention in organizations domestically, have not been well considered in global mobility literature. The webinar also draws attention to minority expatriate populations about whom we currently know very little as research remains sparse. In identifying these gaps, the webinar outlines a range of future research directions that can help advance more inclusive and equitable global mobility practices.

About the Speakers:

Kate Hutchings (Ph.D. University of Queensland) is professor of HRM in Griffith Business School, Griffith University, Australia. Kate has been a visiting academic in seven countries and delivered executive training and student study tours in several countries in Asia. Kate’s research examines expatriates/global mobility, HRM in developing economies (particularly the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions) and HRM practices with a focus on supporting diversity and inclusion in organizations. Kate’s most recent edited volumes are The Authoritative Research Guide to Expatriates (Edward Elgar) and A Guide to Key Theories for Human Resource Management Research (Edward Elgar). Amongst others, her research has appeared in British Journal of Management, Human Resource Management, International Journal of Human Resource Management, Journal of Management Studies, Journal of Organizational Behavior and Journal of World Business.

Miriam Moeller (MBA, Ph.D. University of Mississippi) is an associate professor in international business at The University of Queensland Business School, Australia. Her research examines how organizations mobilize and support globally mobile talent, with particular focus on expatriate diversity, including LGBTIQA+, women, and neurodivergent professionals. As a multi-generational expatriate, she brings both scholarly and lived insight to global mobility. Miriam’s recent work advances neuroinclusive workplace practices internationally. She serves as associate editor at the International Journal of Management Reviews and sits on the editorial review board of the Journal of Global Mobility.

Soo Min Toh (Ph.D., Texas A&M University) is professor of organizational behaviour and human resource management in the Department of Management at the University of Toronto. Soo Min works on understanding how inclusion can be created in a context of difference. She co-edited Expatriates and Managing Global Mobility, part of the SIOP Organizational Frontiers Book Series. She has led federally funded projects on employee health and on creating inclusive workplaces and is embarking on an interdisciplinary project preventing workplace violence in nursing. She was Professorial Fellow at the University of Edinburgh Business School and currently Research Fellow at the Cambridge Judge Business School. Soo Min serves as associate editor at Human Resource Management.

This session will be moderated by Elaine Farndale, professor of human resource management and director of the School of Labor and Employment Relations, Penn State.

This event is part of an IHRM Webinar Series, registration is free.