Transformational learning experiences of international development volunteers in the Asia-Pacific: The case of a multinational NGO

Abstract

While most MNE activity in Asia and the Pacific focuses on rapidly developing and newly industrialized economies, multinational NGOs have for decades provided important financial, human and social capital to poorer nations in the region. Our study examines the learning experiences of a sample of expatriate volunteer workers deployed by the Asia-Pacific's largest international volunteer agency. Our field research shows that, when compared to a control group, the expatriates’ learning was unique in terms of context, process and outcomes. Notably, expatriates experienced learning outcomes that were more frequently transformational, involving fundamental changes to their values, perspectives or assumptions.