A multi‐dimensional analysis of the subjective well‐being of self‐initiated expatriates: The case of Nigerian expatriates in Germany

Abstract

AbstractThis paper examines the role of four types of influences on the Subjective Well‐Being of Nigerian self‐initiated expatriates in Germany: (1) Individual, (2) Group, (3) Social, and (4) Organizational. Based on survey data from 377 respondents, we find that variables in all four categories influence subjective well‐being. Our findings generally agree with the results predicted by the theory, albeit a few counter‐intuitive findings. Above all, our results indicate the potency of social‐ and group‐level influences. The individual‐ and organizational‐level influences, too, are significant, although to a slightly lesser extent. Overall, our results suggest that “soft” factors play an important role in augmenting perceptions about one's own well‐being in the context of international assignments.