Article: An Examination of Salient Factors Affecting Expatriate Culture Shock Journal: Journal of Business and Management (JBM) 2004 Vol.10 No.1 pp.73 - 87 Abstract: Organizations are faced with numerous challenges as they attempt to remain competitive in an expanding global economy. One of the challenges that these organizations face as they expand into global markets is the successful transfer or placement of U.S. workers (i.e., expatriates) into foreign assignments. Evidence continues to emerge supporting the idea that successful placement depends heavily upon how these individuals react or adjust to the culture and norms of their host country. Often, individuals experience a stress-induced reaction, culture shock, as they are confronted with the realities of their new environment. This article examines salient factors related to culture shock and, consequently, expatriate success. A review of the literature identified five key factors that can affect expatriate culture shock. These factors include: (a) the training the expatriate receives, (b) the demographic characteristics of the expatriate, (c) the dispositional and personality characteristics of the expatriate, (d) the level of organizational support provided to the expatriate, and (e) the level of technical competence of the expatriate. Research propositions were developed relative to how each factor relates to expatriate culture shock. This synthesis of expatriate literature also supports the need for further studies on culture shock in general and the identification of additional factors that affect expatriate culture shock. Inderscience Publishers - linking academia, business and industry through research

Title: An Examination of Salient Factors Affecting Expatriate Culture Shock

Authors: Robert H. Sims; Mike Schraeder

Addresses: Author address listing can be found in the "About the Authors" section at the end of the article.

Abstract: Organizations are faced with numerous challenges as they attempt to remain competitive in an expanding global economy. One of the challenges that these organizations face as they expand into global markets is the successful transfer or placement of U.S. workers (i.e., expatriates) into foreign assignments. Evidence continues to emerge supporting the idea that successful placement depends heavily upon how these individuals react or adjust to the culture and norms of their host country. Often, individuals experience a stress-induced reaction, culture shock, as they are confronted with the realities of their new environment. This article examines salient factors related to culture shock and, consequently, expatriate success. A review of the literature identified five key factors that can affect expatriate culture shock. These factors include: (a) the training the expatriate receives, (b) the demographic characteristics of the expatriate, (c) the dispositional and personality characteristics of the expatriate, (d) the level of organizational support provided to the expatriate, and (e) the level of technical competence of the expatriate. Research propositions were developed relative to how each factor relates to expatriate culture shock. This synthesis of expatriate literature also supports the need for further studies on culture shock in general and the identification of additional factors that affect expatriate culture shock.

Keywords: Expatriate culture shock; foreign assignments; organizational support; expatriate training; expatriate success.

DOI: 10.1504/JBM.2004.141125

Journal of Business and Management, 2004 Vol.10 No.1, pp.73 - 87

Published online: 05 Sep 2024 *

Title: An Examination of Salient Factors Affecting Expatriate Culture Shock

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