Multidimensionality and Subjectivity of Culture Shock: A Contingent Approach

Abstract

This study examines the trajectory of cross-cultural adjustment based on the multidimensional and subjective aspects of culture shock. We focus on six intrapersonal diversity factors that affect international adjustment in order to build a taxonomy of expatriates. On the basis of a sample of 584 observations, we show that these different groups of expatriates follow different patterns of adjustment. In some specific cases a U-curve is observed.