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Purpose Existing studies on expatriate academics (EAs) are primarily set in advanced-country settings, thus overlooking the EA experience in developing and emerging markets. With this in mind, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the motivating factors behind EAs taking up jobs in Malaysia, and their adjustment and retention experiences in their host country. Design/methodology/approach The authors conducted semi-structured interviews with 17 EAs working in four public universities in Malaysia. Findings Among the chief motivating factors for expatriation were familiarity with the country, the perceived desirable cultural/religious environment, and favourable research environment. Adjustment-wise, there was something of a mixed experience, with most adjusting well socially, but many citing disappointment with work. Such sentiment has contributed to reducing retention plans among several of the respondents. Originality/value The study explores the EA experience in the context of an emerging market. At present much of the literature focuses on EAs working in advanced economies. This paper indicates that the motivation, adjustment, and retention cognition of EAs in emerging markets may not be entirely consistent with what previous studies have suggested.

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Abstract:Organisational determinant factors are seen as resources, assets and capabilities that can be managed by a firm itself to achieve its objectives. The export performance (EP) of electrical and electronic (E&E) firms on the Indonesian island of Batam has been fluctuating and declining for several years. This phenomenon must be addressed accordingly in order to stabilise national economic growth. It is the responsibility of academicians, practitioners, and policy makers to understand the complexities of EP by exploring the factors that significantly influence it. To examine the link between organisational determinants and EP, the data were collected from E&E firms in Batam. The results indicate that export marketing strategy, firm characteristics and capabilities, and management characteristics are positively and significantly linked to EP. These findings suggest that, in light of the highly volatile and uncertain economic environment, short product life cycles, as well as frequent and unpredictable changes in demand, it is imperative that firms are able to respond to environmental changes.

Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether knowledge-flows through social interaction occur within the context of a policy-driven industrial cluster. Design/methodology/approach -The paper follows a single-case approach, adopting Malaysia's Multimedia Super Corridor cluster as the unit of analysis. Semi-structured interviews with firm-and non-firm-respondents in the cluster constitute the prime source of data. Findings -Spontaneous social interaction leading to knowledge diffusion within the cluster may be lacking. However, policymakers may be able to remedy this somewhat by organising workshops, conferences and other events to help firms gain additional knowledge, although these measures should ideally complement, rather than replace, spontaneous face-to-face meetings. Practical implications -Although policymakers may implement certain measures to try to compensate for the shortage of knowledge flows through social interaction (e.g. organising more "formal" events such as workshops and exhibitions), it is argued that these may not be sufficient in ensuring the long-term, self-sustaining success of the cluster. Originality/value -The paper integrates extant literature on "organic" industrial clusters into a pre-planned, purpose-built, policy-driven cluster context. Research on policy-driven clusters is somewhat limited, with attention from scholars primarily focused on organic clusters. This paper attempts to bridge the gap for future research in the area.