Abstract There is a general assumption in the literature that due diligence is a vital ex ante step in alliance formation. However, the actual relationship between alliance performance and due diligence has not been empirically studied. Drawing on theoretical insights from information economics, we address this issue in international alliances, considering each party’s due diligence investigations. Demonstrating that due diligence is indeed beneficial for performance, we go a step further and show that this beneficial effect is negatively moderated where contextual factors affect the information environment. We find that both geographic distance which increases information asymmetries and partner-specific experience which decreases information asymmetries lessen the value generation potential of due diligence. This paper thus confirms the assumption in the literature and also introduces contextual limitations. This paper therefore helps address the cost–benefit scenario of due diligence.

Abstract This study examines the implications of workplace underemployment and discrimination for self-initiated expatriates’ (SIE) role adjustment in terms of their task-related and social roles. Analyzing a sample of 379 expatriates in the United Arab Emirates and drawing from role theory, it shows that not all effects of underemployment and discrimination are negative. While discrimination negatively affects SIEs’ role adjustment by hindering the quality of social interaction and job clarity, underemployment, in contrast, enhances SIEs’ socialization and job clarity. The analysis also finds SIEs’ gender to moderate the relationship between perceive discrimination and the quality of SIEs’ social interaction. The study uncovers the nuanced influences of discrimination and underemployment on SIEs’ role adjustment, mediated by job clarity and social interactions, and partially moderated by gender. It calls for further exploration of their complex effects on SIEs’ task-related and social role adjustment.

Abstract The existing literature on host country national (HCN) supportive behaviors is fragmented, with substantial confusion surrounding how these supportive behaviors are conceptualized and measured. In this study, we first offered an integrative review of the existing literature to illustrate this problem. We then proposed a conceptual framework, featured by three dimensions of informational, instrumental, and emotional support, to integrate the diverse range of HCN supportive behaviors by drawing on the social support literature. Furthermore, we empirically tested this framework, examining its factorial structure as well as its nomological network with a series of antecedents including HCN personality, HCN–expatriate relationships, and HCN motives. Using multi-wave data collected from 742 HCNs employed by multinational companies operating in China, we found that different dimensions of HCN supportive behaviors are distinct, and there are unique antecedents to predict the different dimensions. Our study establishes a theoretical foundation for integrating the various HCN supportive behaviors and offers much-enhanced clarity regarding their commonalities and differences. It also generates a validated psychological measure that comprehensively assesses HCN supportive behaviors which can be easily adopted by future researchers.

Abstract This article examines the ethical challenges in international business research, emphasizing how cultural diversity and socio-economic disparities intensify the risk of questionable and unethical practices. Various unethical practices are identified across stages of the research process, including conceptualization biases, data manipulation, and publication misconduct. Specific issues such as ethnocentric bias, idea theft, selective measurement, p-hacking, plagiarism, and coercive citation are critically discussed. Four approaches to enhance ethical research are proposed: researcher ethics, institutional ethics, professional ethics, and publication ethics. Intercultural sensitivity, transparency, and adherence to ethical guidelines are essential for the credibility and integrity of international business research.