Expatriate Adjustment

Definition

Expatriate adjustment refers to the process through which individuals who relocate to a foreign country adapt to their new environment, including cultural, social, and work-related aspects. Successful adjustment is crucial for expatriates as it impacts their job performance, personal satisfaction, and overall experience while living abroad. Understanding this process helps organizations develop effective cross-cultural training programs and support systems to facilitate smoother transitions for employees.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Expatriate adjustment can be divided into three stages: the initial honeymoon phase, a period of culture shock, and eventual adaptation to the new environment.
2. Effective cross-cultural training programs significantly enhance expatriate adjustment by preparing individuals for cultural differences and expectations in the host country.
3. Support from the employer, including mentoring and social networks, plays a vital role in easing the transition and promoting successful adjustment for expatriates.
4. Personal characteristics such as adaptability, openness to experience, and previous international experience influence the speed and success of expatriate adjustment.
5. Poor expatriate adjustment can lead to early repatriation, decreased job performance, and increased costs for organizations due to loss of talent and investment in international assignments.

Review Questions

• How does the process of expatriate adjustment unfold over time, and what are the key phases involved?
  • Expatriate adjustment typically unfolds in three key phases: the initial honeymoon phase where everything seems exciting; followed by a culture shock phase where the realities of living in a new culture set in, often leading to feelings of frustration or anxiety; and finally an adaptation phase where the individual learns to navigate their new environment effectively. Each phase presents unique challenges and requires different coping strategies for successful adjustment.
• Discuss the role of cross-cultural training in improving expatriate adjustment outcomes and give examples of effective strategies.
  • Cross-cultural training is essential in enhancing expatriate adjustment outcomes by equipping individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to understand cultural differences. Effective strategies include pre-departure training that focuses on cultural norms, language skills, and local customs; ongoing support through mentoring programs; and creating opportunities for social interactions within expatriate communities. These strategies help reduce culture shock and promote quicker adaptation.
• Evaluate the impact of personal characteristics on expatriate adjustment success and how organizations can leverage this understanding.
  • Personal characteristics like adaptability, openness to experience, resilience, and prior international exposure play a crucial role in determining how well an expatriate adjusts to a new environment. Organizations can leverage this understanding by implementing thorough selection processes that assess these traits before assigning employees to international roles. Additionally, providing tailored support based on an individual's characteristics can enhance their chances of successful adjustment and overall satisfaction in their new location.

Related terms

Cultural Shock: Cultural shock is the feeling of disorientation experienced by someone when they are suddenly subjected to an unfamiliar culture or way of life.

Cultural Intelligence (CQ): Cultural Intelligence is the capability to relate and work effectively across cultures, encompassing awareness, knowledge, and skills necessary for successful cross-cultural interactions.

Repatriation: Repatriation is the process of returning to one's home country after living abroad, which often involves its own set of adjustment challenges.