Performing Expatriate Mobilities in Kuala Lumpur

Abstract

Research focusing upon expatriates in Asia has been geographically sporadic in nature and has typically centered upon those based in China, Hong Kong or Singapore. Focusing on Kuala Lumpur this research analyses the experiences of expatriates via the notion of automobilty by critically observing their preferred modes of travel and the importance their car journeys play in overcoming problems in Malaysia. While a growing body of research has centered on expatriates' integration into new surroundings, these themes have predominantly observed career motivations and progression, coping mechanisms and the neocolonialism of space. The significance of the decisions made by expatriates regarding how they travel and commute in their new surroundings have been noticeably overlooked. Indeed, the findings of this paper reveal that particular modes of transport are often intrinsic tools in terms of mitigating negative environmental sensations and uncomfortable social encounters. Moreover, it is observed that transportation choices afford some expatriates exclusive opportunities to encounter Malaysia. For others however, transportation preferences lead to a new range of frustrations that were often alien to their experiences back home.

Developments and key issues in tourism mobilities

“…In terms of tourism mobilities we argue that the action of travel may be not only to serve a particular purpose but can also act as an integral feature of many tourists' experiential demands (see Bauman, 1998;Butler and Hannam, 2012, 2013a, 2013bMohktarian and Salomon 2001). What transports a tourist can therefore considerably shape or alter the overall tourist experience (Edensor, 2007;Huijbens and Benediktsson, 2007;Larsen, 2001).…”

“…Beckmann (2001: 598) suggests that society's increasing usage of motor vehicles has transformed roads to become -grounds of battle‖, as space is increasingly contested. Indeed, the car's promise of freedom and adventure can be ironically hindered by the car, as other road user curtail driving experiences in the form of traffic congestion and via the poor and even dangerous driving techniques of other drivers (Taylor, 2003;Butler and Hannam, 2013a). As…”

“…Indeed, Beckmann (2001: 604) argues that automobilisation may have effectively ‗turned against itself'. Similarly, Butler and Hannam (2013a), have observed that although expatriate car users would often refer to their motor vehicles as being ‗essential,' ‗must-haves,' or even ‗lifesavers', many reported that their journeys frequently involved severe periods of immobility. As a consequence, car experiences were often considered to be‗annoying,' ‗boring,' ‗depressing,' or ‗soul-destroying' due to traffic congestion.…”

“…From this perspective the relations between migration, return migration, transnationalism, and tourism are thus being increasingly researched (King and Christou, 2011). And, of course, the ways in which physical movement pertains to upward and downward social mobility are also central here as research on expatriates demonstrates (Butler and Hannam, 2013a). …”

Multicultural Personality and Cross-Cultural Adjustment among Sojourners in New Zealand

“…Dennis and Stroh (1993) shared a study of American expatriates, who reported that an education system, language, lifestyles, racial, religious, ethnic groups and organizations internal rivalries are the contributing factors in the work-family difficulties for sojourns in Kuala Lumpur. In addition, transportation preferences in Kuala Lumpur were found unfavourable, thus causing the expatriates" frustration (Butler and Hannam, 2014). Basically, cross-cultural adjustment and adaptation involve a process of changing the perception into appropriate manners which determine the sojourners" psychological and socio-cultural composing in holistic views.…”