Cross‐cultural non‐work transition stresses: domestic transferees in Indonesia

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to address this gap in the literature by examining a cohort of Indonesians employed within a financial organisation and the cross‐cultural transition stresses that they and their families encountered when relocated within Indonesia. Design/methodology/approach – The research involved semi‐structured interviews conducted with managers in a financial institution in Indonesia. In specifically referring to non‐work issues, the paper explores the support given by the transferees’ organisation, the difficulties experienced by the employees and their families. Findings – The major finding was that managers believe that the organisation provides them with insufficient support to deal with the cross‐cultural transition stresses that result from their domestic relocations. Practical implications – The paper provides suggestions for HR and senior managers to more effectively address non‐work needs of domestic transferees. Originality/value – While expatriate management literature has devoted considerable attention to cross‐cultural transition stresses encountered when transiting across international borders to undertake international assignments, a smaller body of literature has examined the transition stresses experienced by domestic employees and their families when relocating jobs within nations. An issue erstwhile given much less consideration within the literature, however, is the cross‐cultural transition stresses experienced by employees and their families who are relocated within nations that have substantive regional cultural differences. Thus, this research adds value to the existing literature in undertaking an assessment of cross‐cultural transition stresses in domestic relocation.