Perceptions and possibilities of intercultural adjustment: Some neglected characteristics of expatriates

Abstract

With the aid of a sample of 66 expatriates serving in Papua New Guinea, the present study investigates expatriates' perceptions of the relevance of aspects of their sociobiological characteristics and backgrounds to their intercultural and interaction adjustment. Generally, expatriates perceive their sociobiological backgrounds as affecting their interaction with their hosts. Cross-cultural experience and educational background are perceived as the factors having the most positive effect, while age and religion are seen as having the least effect. The study also reveals that expatriates perceive their ethnic and racial background, nationality, education and prior experience as having the greatest impact on the response they get when interacting with their hosts. Directions for future research and implications for the management of expatriates are offered.