Elements of Expatriate Adjustment in Host Country Organizations Denise Suzanne Schickel Walden University
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Walden University ScholarWorks Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection 2018 Elements of Expatriate Adjustment in Host Country Organizations Denise Suzanne Schickel Walden University Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations Part of the Organizational Behavior and Theory Commons, Social and Cultural Anthropology Commons, and the Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling Commons This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection at ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Walden University College of Social and Behavioral Sciences This is to certify that the doctoral dissertation by Denise Schickel has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects, and that any and all revisions required by the review committee have been made. Review Committee Dr. Marlon Sukal, Committee Chairperson, Psychology Faculty Dr. Thomas Edman, Committee Member, Psychology Faculty Dr. James Brown, University Reviewer, Psychology Faculty Chief Academic Officer Eric Riedel, Ph.D. Walden University 2018 Abstract Elements of Expatriate Adjustment in Host Country Organizations by Denise Schickel Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Psychology Walden University November 2018 Abstract Globalization and international business increasingly require the services of skilled expatriates in overseas offices. Over the past 50 years, numerous studies have focused on various factors affecting expatriate adjustment, primarily through quantitative research, reaching no conclusions on what factors in cross-cultural training would guarantee expatriate success. Expatriate failure has high personal and organizational costs. The purpose of this study was to use the qualitative methodology of narrative inquiry to investigate the adjustment, transition, and repatriation experience as a holistic process. Two theoretical constructions, Bandura’s social learning theory, applied to the learning process in an international assignment, and social identity theory, represented key factors in the expatriate experience. The overarching research question investigated the distinct factors that contributed to the overall success or failure of an expatriate. Narrative inquiry, and open-ended questions, allowed the participants to reveal their stories. Participants (N = 14) were selected using criterion and convenience sampling. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded into themes using an iterative process. Results established weak organizational support in the preparation and repatriation stages. Participants considered their assignments a success and exhibited strong self-efficacy and internal locus of control. The need for successful expatriate performance will continue to increase with globalization; findings in this study can contribute to the training, support, and repatriation of employees. The potential for social change includes the improvement in global business functioning and international understanding. Elements of Expatriate Adjustment in Host Country Organizations by Denise Schickel Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Psychology Walden University October 2018 Dedication This dissertation is dedicated to Sam and Gladys for their unwavering love and support; and to Morris, a devoted friend. Table of Contents List of Tables .......................................................................................................................v Chapter 1: Introduction to the Study ...................................................................................1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................1 The Researcher's Narrative: The Peace Corps in Morocco ................................... 6 Problem Statement ................................................................................................ 12 Purpose Statement ................................................................................................. 13 Research Questions ............................................................................................... 14 Significance of the Study ...................................................................................... 14 Rationale for Methodology ................................................................................... 16 Research Design.................................................................................................... 17 Definitions............................................................................................................. 20 Assumptions and Limitations ............................................................................... 22 Summary and Organization of the Remaining Chapters ...................................... 24 Chapter 2: Literature Review .............................................................................................26 Introduction ..................................................................................................................26 Historical Trends in Globalization ...............................................................................28 Adjustment Studies ......................................................................................................29 Theoretical Foundations...............................................................................................31 Social Learning Theory................................................................................................32 Social Identity ..............................................................................................................34 Review of Literature ..........................................................................................................35 i Elements of Culture .....................................................................................................35 Organizational Factors .................................................................................................43 Individual Factors of Expatriates .................................................................................47 Social Support System Factors ....................................................................................54 Organizational Support through the Cycle: Repatriation............................................60 Methodology ................................................................................................................61 Narrative Inquiry History .............................................................................................63 Summary ............................................................................................................................66 Chapter 3: Research Method ..............................................................................................68 Introduction ........................................................................................................................68 Statement of the Problem .............................................................................................68 Research Methodology: Qualitative .................................................................................69 Research Design: Narrative Inquiry..................................................................................69 Role of Researcher .......................................................................................................72 Participant Description and Sample Selection .............................................................72 Research Procedure ......................................................................................................73 Sources of Data ............................................................................................................76 Data Collection ............................................................................................................76 Reliability .....................................................................................................................77 Data Analysis ...............................................................................................................78 Methods of Analysis and Coding .................................................................................79 Summary ......................................................................................................................81 ii Chapter 4: Results ..............................................................................................................82 Introduction ........................................................................................................................82 Data Collection ............................................................................................................84 Data Analysis ...............................................................................................................87 Issues of Trustworthiness .............................................................................................88 Results ................................................................................................................................89