CULTURAL ADJUSTMENT OF EXPATRIATES IN MALAYSIA: THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE, SOCIAL COMPETENCIES AND SELF-MOTIVATION

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the influence of emotional intelligence and social competencies towards cultural adjustment of expatriates in the ICT sector in Malaysia. Additionally, the mediation role of self-motivation was examined. In this quantitative study, random sampling was used to collect data from a sample of 301 expatriates. Questionnaires were sent either by hand or electronically. This study used PLS SEM to estimate the model. The study revealed that emotional intelligence and social competencies are significant predictors of job performance. This study further presented an expanded theoretical and empirical evidence base to help future researchers. The findings may be helpful to organizations and consultants who work to prepare expatriates. Organizations involved in managing expatriates for global assignment can implement policies and processes to select and prepare the right expatriates for global assignments. Emotional intelligence and social competencies should be part of the selection criteria and development plan of expatriates.