‘Out of sight but still in the picture’: short-term international assignments and the influential role of family

Abstract

This paper focuses on the role of the family, and related issues associated with short-term international assignments from the assignees' perspective. Conceptually our study utilizes discourse analysis set within a social constructionist framework to understand these issues better. Our research is a longitudinal case study which encompasses 22 interviews with short-term assignees employed by a US-based MNC. Despite the physical absence of the family/spouse on short-term assignments, a number of family related concerns emerge in our study. First, ‘single’ assignees, as well as married assignees, have family related concerns. Second, extended, as well as immediate family, are influential in the assignment process. Third, long-distance family support is crucial in the wake of assignment-imposed separation. Finally, there are significant family issues associated with repatriation in the aftermath of a short-term assignment.