Ups and downs of the expatriate experience? Understanding work adjustment trajectories and career outcomes.

作者：Jing Zhu, Connie R. Wanberg, David A. Harrison, Erica Waldera Diehn · 发表于：Journal of Applied Psychology · 年份：2015 · DOI：10.1037/apl0000073 · 被引用次数：114 · 研究领域：International Student and Expatriate Challenges、Job Satisfaction and Organizational Behavior、Gender Diversity and Inequality

We examine changes in work adjustment among 179 expatriates from 3 multinational organizations from predeparture through the first 9 months of a new international assignment. Our 10-wave results challenge classic U-shaped theories of expatriate adjustment (e.g., Torbiorn, 1982). Consistent with uncertainty reduction theory, our results instead suggest that expatriates typically experience a gradual increase in work adjustment over time. Two resources that expatriates bring to their assignments (previous culture-specific work experience and core self-evaluations) moderate the trajectory of work adjustment. Trajectory of adjustment predicts Month 9 career instrumentality and turnover intention, as well as career advancement (job promotion) 1.5 years further. Implications for theory, as well as for changes in expatriate management practices, are discussed.