Cross-cultural adjustment of expatriates

Abstract

Globalization and quests for global presence have led multinational corporations (MNCs) to expand into newer markets with high returns. This expansion has increased competition for talented workers and driven the employment of an increasing number of expatriates to manage business operations overseas. Review of the literature shows that poor job performance can be related to poor cultural adjustment in new foreign locations. It is therefore critical to ensure that corporations are sending capable candidates for these roles overseas so that employing expatriates remain a good investment for MNCs. Due to improvements in political and economic situations in Africa, more international corporations are viewing the continent as a new market and are sending expatriates to manage business operations. A great deal of research on expatriate adjustment has been conducted in the last two decades. However, these studies have been predominately conducted in the west, with very little of this research having been conducted in Africa in general, or in Nigeria in particular, despite knowledge of the overwhelming adjustment challenges the continent poses to expatriates. The purpose of this study is to examine factors influencing expatriates’ adjustment in Nigeria. A survey method was used to gather data from expatriates who work in different organizations in Nigeria. The results of this study show that age, gender, previous experience, cross-cultural training (CCT), socialization, and job satisfaction were predictors of expatriates’ adjustment in Nigeria. This research is important because it may assist human resource professionals in planning and implementing an appropriate CCT program for employees relocating to Nigeria. It may help to bridge the gap in the literature on this topic with regards to Nigeria, Africa, and other emerging nations. It could also contribute to a better understanding.