Motivated Globetrotting: A Goal-oriented Perspective of Why Individuals Relocate Abroad for Work

Abstract

In this study, we use motivated action theory, to develop model of why individuals relocate abroad for work. Based on multisource data collected during a seven-year period at four lagged time points, we first find that the cultural richness of individuals’ prior international experiences result in having a superordinate identity in the form of global identity. A global identity in turn triggers the aspiration to move abroad for work. The aspiration to relocate abroad further mediates between a global identity and the actual decision to relocate. We finally show that dispositional learning goal orientation buffers the effect of global identity on the relocation process. Our study contributes to motivation theories, as well as global identity, global mobility and international management literatures.