Interpersonal Networks in Foreign Assignments and Intercultural Learning Processes

Spieß, Erika

doi:10.1007/978-3-319-45023-0_3

Cited by 1 publication

(1 citation statement)

References 41 publications

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“…In the expatriation field, scholars have already focused on expatriates' support networks (e.g. Chiu et al, 2009;Osman-Gani and Rockstuhl, 2008;Schuster and Bader, 2017;Shen and Kram, 2011;Spieβ, 2017;Wang and Kanungo, 2004). Existing research shows, for example, that both emotional and practical support from host-country nationals influence adaptation to working abroad (Chiu et al, 2009), and that in particular having a balanced network with both host locals and peers is most beneficial for expatriates' well-being (Wang and Kanungo, 2004).…”

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

An exploratory study into organizational repatriates’ emotional support network

Gorp

Boroş

Bracke

et al. 2017

CCSM

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Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine how repatriates’ emotional support network affects their experience of re-entry. Design/methodology/approach This inductive, qualitative study is based on 27 semi-structured, in-depth interviews with Belgian organizational repatriates. Findings The analyses suggest that expatriation empathy is a key attribute of organizational repatriates’ main emotional support providers. In addition, the results show that although partners are a main source of emotional support on re-entry, they are also important potential causes of distress. Lastly, the results suggest that the cultural diversity of a repatriate’s emotional support network is linked with characteristics of the assignment and that it affects the experience of repatriation. Research limitations/implications The results provide empirical evidence that the expatriation empathy of repatriates’ support providers is a more informative characteristic to consider compared with whether they have personal experience of expatriation. In addition, the results suggest that research should also take into account the negative side of social support, and, for example, consider the influence of crossover distress of partners who experience relocation difficulties themselves. Practical implications This study points to the possible benefits of organizing social activities or training for repatriates and their partner and any children, as well as the advantages of encouraging expatriates to invite home-country friends to visit. Originality/value Although most scholars agree on the importance of support for expatriates’ well-being, the sources of relevant emotional support have received little research attention so far, as has how this influences the repatriation experience.

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