Global Journal of Management and Business Research, A: Administration and Management, Volume 23 Issue 10

records, observation of human conduct, and the administration of interviews with individuals with pertinent expertise, as elucidated by Peterson (2019). In the qualitative research methodology, the researcher is dedicated to obtaining a comprehensive understanding of the perspectives provided by participants regarding a specific topic or subject matter. The primary objective of this study is to gather firsthand information from participants, with a specific focus on a research issue that is unique to the United States. This is similar to the approach perform in Eldh et al. (2020) where this kind of assignment involves the examination of several perspectives, the evaluation of different components within a particular situation, and the providing of a thorough examination of the broader context. a) Population of the Study and Sampling Technique The procedure of delineating the research population entails the identification of prospective participants who are pertinent to the research topic. The primary objective of this research is to investigate the challenges and opportunities encountered by organizations and individuals in relation to self-initiated expatriates within the United States. The study sample may consist of many prospective cohorts, such as self- initiated expatriates (SIEs), professionals in human resources, leaders within organizations, decision- makers involved in expatriation policies, colleagues of SIEs, networks providing support to expatriates, cultural consultants, academic experts, and researchers. In order to get demographic, economic, and social statistics pertaining to the United States, this study utilizes the extensive information made available by the United States Census Bureau through periodic censuses and surveys. These sources provide significant insights regarding population sizes and workforce trends. Therefore, the selected sampling technique for this study is purposeful sampling, which is in accordance with the qualitative research premise of deliberately selecting participants who may offer the most valuable insights. In contrast to quantitative research approaches, which frequently employ random sampling and higher sample sizes, qualitative research utilizes a smaller sample size, provided that data collection achieves saturation (Creswell, 2017). This implies that the sample size utilized in qualitative research is typically limited. For the purpose of this study, a total of five informants were selected. This precise numerical value was deemed appropriate for conducting qualitative investigations, particularly in order to achieve saturation during the process of constructing grounded theory. b) Data Collection The present study employs a qualitative research methodology, utilizing interviews as the primary means of data gathering. The aim of this study is to examine the integration-autonomy conundrum encountered by self-initiated expatriates residing in the United States. This will be achieved by active engage- ment with participants, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of their unique experiences and perspectives. The selection of five informants was conducted in accordance with the research objectives and set sampling criteria. These criteria encompassed many categories, such as self-initiated expatriates and HR managers, among others. The researchers initiated contact with potential volunteers through a variety of communication modes, including email, phone conver- sations, and in-person contacts. During these encounters, the researchers provided an explanation of the study's objectives and sought the participants' involvement. Prior to conducting the interviews, the researcher administered a consent form to each participant. The provided document delineated the objectives of the research, the methodology employed for conducting interviews, the ethical considerations regarding participant rights, and the safeguards implemented to ensure anonymity. All five participants engaged in a comprehensive examination and understanding of the consent form, thereafter expressing their agreement to participate in the study by affixing their signatures to the document. The interviews were done exclusively using the internet platform Zoom, with each participant participating in individual interview sessions. The participants reached a consensus to consent to the recording of their interviews, so facilitating the production of precise transcriptions at a later stage. The transcription process was aided by the capabilities of Zoom, which enabled the collection of speech cues, tones, and emotions, so ensuring a thorough record of the interviews. In relation to the characteristics of the participants, the initial respondent is a male lecturer aged 49, affiliated with a university in New York. This individual possesses a noteworthy professional background spanning two decades. The second informant is a male from Texas working in human resources department, aged 36, with 5 years of professional experience. The third participant, is a female from Louisiana aged aged 50 and currently employed IT-based firm. The fourth individual involved in the study is a male lecturer, aged 41, who resides in Louisiana. He is employed as an educator at an institution of higher learning with 6 years working experience. The fifth participant, identified as a female aged 56, has accumulated an 18 years of pertinent professional experience. She is working in a legal firm the inclusion of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences in the interview process enhances the richness of the qualitative data gathered. Exploring Opportunities and Successes: Navigating Self-Initiated Expatriates in the USA Global Journal of Management and Business Research ( A ) XXIII Issue X Version I Year 2023 22 © 2023 Global Journals