Host Nationals Research Articles

“Without trust, we can’t really do any work”: workplace trust and communication among expatriates and host nationals

PurposeScholars acknowledge that trust relationships between expatriates and host nationals are important; however, previous research has demonstrated that one’s culture affects how individuals define trust, which can influence how trust is developed between expatriates and host nationals. In addition, trust can affect communication between expatriates and host nationals in many ways. Therefore, this study examined how US host nationals and Japanese expatriates conceptualized trust in the workplace as well as how trust affected their daily communication.Design/methodology/approachA total of 32 participants (16 US Americans and 16 Japanese) working in a multinational manufacturing company participated in semi-structured, individual interviews. A modified version of constant comparative analysis was employed to analyze the data.FindingsBoth groups of participants identified competence and skills, teamwork and collaboration, and open/honest communication as defining features of trust in the workplace, although there were some explanations regarding trust that were influenced by participants’ culture. Further, trust between US host nationals and Japanese expatriates affected their communication strategies, such as information flow and mentoring communication.Originality/valueThis study contributes to literature on the relationships between expatriates and host nationals by providing a culturally nuanced understanding of trust in the workplace. Additionally, findings from this study offer practical recommendations for multinational corporations for how to socialize and train their employees to enhance their work experience with one another.

Intercultural interaction willingness: a PLS-PM approach to influencing factors and its mediation effect

For international students, interaction with host nationals greatly influences their adjustment to the host country. Their willingness to interact is subject to the influence of multiple factors. Partial least squares path modeling (PLS-PM) was employed in this study to explore three key research questions. Firstly, we sought to determine whether language proficiency, culture, racism and discrimination, and environment could affect international students’ willingness to interact with their Chinese peers. Secondly, we investigated whether interaction willingness was positively correlated with social connection. Thirdly, we examined whether interaction willingness had a mediation effect on intercultural communication. The measurement models and structural models were assessed using consistent PLS-SEM algorithm (PLSc) and consistent PLS-SEM bootstrapping. The assessment results indicated that the models exhibited a satisfactory goodness of fit. Path analysis results showed that (1) language proficiency, culture, and environment exhibited a positive correlation with interaction willingness, while racism and discrimination exerted a negative correlation; (2) interaction willingness was positively correlated with social connection and (3) the variable of interaction willingness was identified as a mediating variable in the correlation between independent variables (i.e. language proficiency, culture, racism and discrimination, and environment) and the dependent variable (i.e. social connection). The findings indicate that multilingualism, length of stay, and empathy from host nationals may contribute to willingness of international students to interact with Chinese students by reducing barriers of language, culture, and discrimination. It is therefore evident that a supportive environment is crucial for interaction and the development of social connection.

Chinese International Students Ingroup Bias and Collective Self-esteem

This study explores the influence of studying abroad on ingroup bias and collective self-esteem among Chinese international students in the US. Given the cultural differences between the two countries, Chinese students may face challenges and even discrimination when socializing with the host nationals. From the social identity perspective, such negative experiences can intensify feelings of being an outsider, leading to stronger adherence to their familiar group. In addition, to strengthen their social identity they may emphasize the positive attributes of the ingroup they belong to, which also enhances collective self-esteem. The present study hypothesizes that Chinese international students will exhibit higher ingroup bias and collective self-esteem related to their nationality than domestic Chinese students. Using a minimal group paradigm, the research aims to determine if overseas experiences heighten ingroup bias and collective self-esteem even without real-context comparisons. The findings provide insights into the complexities of cross-cultural interactions and the psychological impacts of studying abroad.

Sociocultural predictors of immigrant adjustment and well-being.

Research shows that culture change may pose risks to immigrant wellbeing. Our study examined adult Georgians (N = 431) residing in Greece, Italy, and Germany, and explored associations between their demographic characteristics, sociocultural adjustment, and psychological well-being outcomes. Conducted via electronic self-report survey, the cross-sectional study measured participants' levels of sociocultural adjustment, psychological adjustment, and depression along with the willingness to interact with host nationals, perceived sense of discrimination, history of being undocumented, age and length of relocation, and fluency in host language. The study also examined differences in three subsamples from the standpoint of intercultural distance. Sociocultural Adjustment Scale, Brief Psychological Adaptation Scale, Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale and Host Interaction Scale were used to measure the corresponding variables. Perceived history of discrimination was measured by a Likert-scale question about discrimination in a host country. Intercultural distance was established by Hofstede cultural compass and was estimated to be the smallest with Greece and the largest with Germany. Depression was positively predicted by histories of discrimination and illegal immigration, host language fluency upon relocation, and was negatively predicted by sociocultural adjustment. Psychological adjustment was positively predicted by sociocultural adjustment, willingness to interact with host nationals, and ongoing language fluency, while perceived sense of discrimination, age, and poor financial state acted as negative predictors. Finally, sociocultural adjustment acted as the strongest determinant of wellbeing predicting both lower depression and higher psychological adjustment. Our findings suggested that adjustment in diverse sociocultural domains was the most critical for the immigrants' psychological well-being along with the lack of perceived discrimination. Additional factors associated with the better adaptation outcomes included younger age, willingness to interact with host nationals, language fluency, better financial standing and no history of being undocumented. The results also indicated that host language proficiency upon relocation may contribute to migrant susceptibility, whereas intercultural distance may be overshadowed in importance by acculturation conditions. The findings illustrate the complexity of migration and culture change and point to the superiority of wholistic policies and practices in promoting smooth transition of immigrant populations.

Attachment style and romantic involvement with host nationals influence migrants’ acculturation and adjustment

Many migrants experience cultural transitions alongside a romantic partner, yet relatively few studies have examined the relationship context of acculturation and adjustment. The primary goal of the present study was to examine whether partners’ anxious and avoidant attachment – fearing abandonment or closeness in relationships, respectively – predicted their acculturation orientations and sociocultural, psychological, and relational adjustment. A secondary goal was to examine whether being romantically involved with a host national eased the process of acculturation. Toward this end, we collected dyadic daily diary data over a 14-day period from 146 couples (N = 292), of whom at least one partner was a recent migrant to the UK. We found that when migrants were higher in avoidant attachment, they – and their partners – reported the poorest acculturative outcomes: lower mainstream British identification and heritage culture identification, and lower sociocultural, psychological, and relational adjustment. When migrants were higher in attachment anxiety, they reported poorer psychological, sociocultural, and relational adjustment; when their partners were higher in anxiety, migrants reported worse outcomes across the board. Furthermore, migrants with a British partner reported greater mainstream British identification and sociocultural adjustment compared to migrants without a British partner. A follow-up 7.5 years later found that migrants who were higher in attachment anxiety and did not have a British partner at Time 1 were more likely to have left the UK by Time 2. Based on these findings, we encourage researchers, clinicians, and policy-makers to take migrants’ relationship context into account to better understand their acculturation and adjustment.

A Descriptive Analysis ofBlood Products Utilized by a Forward Deployed Surgical Team inSyria.

Traumatically injured combat casualties urgently need both blood and surgery. Forward Surgical Teams (FSTs) or Role 2 (R2) surgical teams were created to minimize the time-space distance from point of injury to damage control surgery. Our goal is to describe the use of blood products from a Split FST deployed to Green Village from July 2018 to April 2019. A retrospective review of a collection of patients treated by a single R2 was conducted following institutional regulatory approval. De-identified data were input into the study database and were then retrospectively reviewed for patients who presented to and received treatment at the R2 facility. Of the 470 total patients treated in 10 months: 226 (48%) received blood products and 132 (28%) underwent operative procedures. The patients were 98% male; 74% Host Nationals (HN), 24% North American Treaty Organization members. Mechanism of injury was 75% explosive and 98% penetrating. Documented Injury Severity Scores (n = 214) were: <9 (n = 57/27%), 9 to 15 (n = 34/16%), 16 to 25 (n = 64/30%), and >25 (n = 59/28%). In total 1,052 units of blood products were administered: whole blood (n = 495), red blood cells (n = 200), fresh frozen plasma (n = 109), and liquid plasma (n = 248). HN whole blood used was 337/495 (68%) units for 78 patients; walking blood bank was mobilized six times for HN patients. Of the patients seen, >99% who arrived with a pulse survived to be discharged to a higher level of care. This analysis describes blood usage associated with one high volume forward deployed operative team and demonstrates the vital importance of the R2 split FST to provide coalition forces with surgical care in proximity to the point of injury. Over time, the supply chain has improved with more component therapy available at R2s; however, the need for walking blood bank and innovative solutions to care for all casualties must be part of small team capabilities. Liquid plasma use should be expanded as soon as it is feasible.

Personal networks and the politics of belonging: Refugee integration in Thessaloniki Greece

AbstractRefugees use social networks to navigate the institutions of immigration. Social networks also serve as support structures as refugees claim their identity and establish a sense of belonging. This paper examines the influence of personal social networks on the integration experiences of 16 asylum‐seekers in Thessaloniki, Greece. Case studies of three recent asylum‐seekers convey how the dynamics of personal social networks differentially influence the experiences of integration. The visualizations of their personal social network, the 45 individuals they engage with routinely, reveal the structure and composition of their social lives. Across the study sample, refugees with more Greek contacts were better able to navigate the economic and legal landscape. However, more engagement with host nationals did not necessarily improve feelings of belonging. Migration policies and programming should consider how to use social networks, both existing and new, to improve migrant integration outcomes.

Racialized Experiences with Host Nationals: The Experiences of U.S. Religious Cross-cultural Workers of Color

Abstract Religious cross-cultural workers of color (RCCWC s) from the United States serve in international contexts with their own racialized dynamics. In order to explore how race shapes RCCWC s’ experiences with host nationals, sixteen qualitative interviews with RCCWC s were conducted. Three major findings emerged from the data: (1) sharing a similar racial or ethnic identity with host nationals results in perceived advantages and disadvantages, (2) racialized encounters prompted reflection on racial and ethnic identity, and (3) strategies developed to deal with racialized fatigue contributed to resilience. The findings of this study contribute to the academic literature on race in intercultural contexts and have practical implications for U.S. sending organizations and RCCWC s.

CARIN' about migrants through news? Linking migrant deservingness to traditional and digital media consumption

AbstractIn recent years, public discourse and political actors have increasingly used a deservingness rhetoric to refer to the arrival and permanent settlement of migrant groups. However, scholars have drawn on the concept of deservingness without developing a clear theoretical framework for it. Following our recent work on the migrant deservingness framework, in the present study we use the CARIN criteria (Control, Attitude, Reciprocity, Identity, Need) to establish the extent to which host nationals in eight nations impose conditions towards accepting permanent settlement among migrants. Specifically, we examine the links of these deservingness perceptions with news media consumption in seven European countries and Colombia using online survey panel data (N = 12,142). Our findings indicate that consuming news via commercial television and in popular newspapers, in particular, is linked to greater conditionality regarding migrant settlement. Consuming public television or quality news sources is only weakly linked to (reduced) conditionality. We discuss these findings using the migrant deservingness framework.

Intercultural Friendships with International Students in China: Examining the Role of Intergroup Contact, Intercultural Communication Competence, Host Country Nationals' Attitudes, and Perceived Intergroup Threats.

International students studying and living in a foreign context often complain about difficulties establishing friendships with host nationals. This study investigates host country nationals' (HCNs) willingness to develop intercultural friendships with international students who are sojourning in China by exploring the effects of face-to-face and online intergroup contact, HCNs' attitudes, intercultural communication competence (ICC), and perceived intergroup threats. Survey data from 469 HCNs indicate that (a) face-to-face and online contact are indirectly and positively related to their willingness to form intercultural friendships, (b) face-to-face contact can moderate the relationships of online contact with HCNs' intergroup attitudes and perceived intergroup threats, and (c) both ICC and intergroup attitudes can positively predict friendship formation whereas perceived intergroup threats act as a negative predictor. The implications of our findings for future research and practice are presented.

The “hidden side” of intergroup contact: The role of perceived social structure in motivating support for social change among the disadvantaged and the advantaged

Intergroup contact is a powerful prejudice-reduction strategy, but research has also revealed its undesirable effects among the disadvantaged. To unravel these counterintuitive effects, we examine the explanatory role of sociostructural factors (permeability of group boundaries as well as stability and legitimacy of inequality) in the link between intergroup contact and both perceived group discrimination against the disadvantaged and support for collective action. We relied on quasirepresentative or nationwide samples of immigrants ( N = 1,539) and host nationals ( N = 838), who participated in two survey-based studies. Among the disadvantaged, contact was associated with less awareness of group discrimination and collective action intentions via more perceptions of permeability and/or stability. Among the advantaged, intergroup contact was associated with greater awareness of group discrimination and collective action intentions (primarily) via perceived illegitimacy of existing status disparities. Our findings elucidate the importance of structural factors in understanding the implications of intergroup contact in addressing inequality and inequity, as well as designing contact-based interventions.

Psychosocial effects of self-disclosure among Chinese international students in Japan

This study examined the effects of four types of self-disclosure on the life satisfaction of Chinese international students studying in Japan. Using an online survey, the study found that offline self-disclosure predicted life satisfaction both directly and indirectly, mediated by received social support and perceived social support, while the direct effect of online self-disclosure was not significant. All four types of self-disclosures predicted received social support, while the social support obtained from host nationals online did not affect perceived support. The analysis also revealed that the paths were moderated by the length of residence in Japan. Only online self-disclosure positively and directly predicted life satisfaction for newcomers, while only offline self-disclosure did for those who had stayed longer. Offline received social support was perceived as helpful for both groups, while that of online predicted perceived social support only for newcomers. Theoretical implications and limitations were discussed.

The Influence of Communication Applications on the Formation and Sustainability of Intercultural Friendships

The use of new social media is common across the world regardless of gender, age group, race, and ethnicity. It plays a significant role in fostering the interconnectedness and development of intercultural relationships as it is not constrained by geographical barriers and is able to promote instant communication between groups or individuals. Communication applications (e.g., WhatsApp) are crucial in enhancing intimacy among individuals residing in different regions. In reflection of the university context, domestic students usually maintain contact with the exchange or international students through digital platforms as they might not have many opportunities for face-to-face interactions upon the completion of the sojourn periods. Therefore, there is discussion on whether social networks and communication applications could help to form and maintain intercultural friendships, and how the relationships might change throughout different stages from the short term to the long run. With the support of prior empirical research, this literature review paper will discuss how communication applications could promote the formation and sustainability of intercultural friendships among college peers in the light of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, the functional model of friendship networks, Social Exchange Theory, and the Contact Hypothesis. It is found that communication applications are significant in forming intercultural relationships as it serves as a way of virtual connection which satisfies the love and belonging needs of Maslow’s Hierarchy and communication with host nationals give better functions on academic and professional aspirations. Yet, the sustainability of relationships depends more on how people weigh the rewards and costs, and the way they utilize the devices to maintain contact over time, hence resulting in the net worth and outcome of a relationship.

Antecedents and consequences of host nationals’ attitudes towards hybrid language in MNCs: the case of MNC-tone

Multiple language use in multinational corporations (MNCs) crossing linguistic boundaries can lead to code-switching and the creation of hybrid languages. Hybrid languages in MNCs can facilitate or impede organizational processes. The source of such ambiguous findings may lie in individuals’ attitudes toward hybrid languages. The sociolinguistics literature suggests that language attitudes impact individuals’ in- and out-group behavior and may explain mixed findings of hybrid language use. We conduct research in the context of MNC-tone—a hybrid English-Chinese language popular in MNCs in China, which has also spilled into Chinese society among non-MNC workers. We examine the attitudes of Chinese nationals toward MNC-tone, the geo-social antecedents that contribute to attitude formation, and the consequences of such attitudes on perceived organizational attractiveness and interpersonal guanxi (informal and positive relationship between individuals facilitating processes in organizations). With survey data collected from Chinese employees in two interconnected studies (N = 342 and 502), we find that individuals from a multilingual landscape with access to foreign media and a multilingual social network have positive attitudes toward the hybrid language. Individuals with positive attitudes are likely to be attracted to work in MNCs that use the language and exercise interpersonal guanxi with others that use the hybrid language.

The Power of Positive Thinking: How Positive Opinions of Refugees’ Impact on the Host Society Generate Positive Behavioural Intentions

AbstractMuch prior research has focused on understanding how host nationals’ negative opinions of the impact of migration and arriving communities affect their attitudes towards newcomers. Yet, the role of host nationals’ positive opinions has remained largely underinvestigated. The present study aims to move beyond the negative intergroup paradigm and contribute to the literature by examining whether positive opinions of refugees’ impact on the host society are related to host nationals’ positive behavioural intentions towards them. Specifically, the study investigated (1) the mediating role of social proximity in the relationship between positive opinions of refugees’ impact and readiness to assist them and (2) symbolic and realistic threats as potential moderators that might influence this direct/indirect relationship. The results provide initial evidence of the important role of positive opinions of refugees’ impact on the host community in promoting positive behavioural intentions towards newcomers via indirect association with closer social proximity. Moreover, our findings suggest that this relationship might be particularly beneficial for host nationals who perceive immigrants as imposing a realistic threat to their lives and to society as a whole—individuals who tend to be amongst the most prejudice-prone and resistant to change.

Applying the CARIN Criteria to Migrant Settlement: Cross-National Validation of the Migrant Deservingness Scale

According to social policy literature, people utilize five criteria – Control, Attitude, Reciprocity, Identity, Need – to distinguish the deserving from the undeserving. Most studies rely on proxy variables rather than measuring deservingness criteria directly. We propose and validate a new instrument – the Migrant Deservingness Scale – that captures these criteria. We analyze data from an online survey in seven European countries, the U.S., and Colombia (N = 13,645) to test the scale’s dimensionality and validity. Findings indicate that all criteria can be captured with the scale, and that they are linked with host nationals’ sociodemographic characteristics and anti-migrant attitudes.

Omani international students' social connection and friendship at a New Zealand university

This is a qualitative study that explored the experiences of friendship formation of Omani international students at a university in New Zealand. Semi-structured interviews were employed to collect data from 12 Omani participants and data were analysed using thematic analysis. Utilising Bochner et al.’s (1977) Functional Model, the study found that Omani students were generally satisfied with how they were developing friendships with co-national and international students but revealed dissatisfaction concerning forming friendships with New Zealand students. The perceptions of Omani students revealed six factors that influenced their formation of intercultural friendships: (1) willingness to establish intercultural friendships, (2) frequent communication and social interaction, (3) English language proficiency, (4) capability to engage with host nationals, (5) cultural differences, and (6) personality traits. The data suggest that host-national contact is lacking and that international students prefer to contact co-national and multinational friends, which indicates that highly supportive co-national and international social ties significantly predominate. Higher-education providers in New Zealand and receiving countries addressing one cohort of international students will find these findings particularly useful.

Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Practices and Outreach Services in Settlements for Rohingya Population in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, 2018-2021.

(1) Background: This study aimed to investigate the existing water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) policy and practice of the study population and strengthen the evidence base by documenting changes in the WASH policy and practice over 3 years of the Rohingya refugee humanitarian crisis, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional surveillance design was followed; the sampling of the study population included the Rohingya refugee population and neighborhood host nationals who required hospitalization soon after seeking care and enrolled into the diarrheal disease surveillance in diarrhea-treatment centers. Throughout the study period of 3 years, a total of 4550 hospitalized individuals constituted the study participants. (3) Results: Among the hospitalized Rohingya refugee population; the use of public tap water increased significantly from 38.5% in year 1 to 91% in year 3. The use of deep tube well water significantly changed from 31.3% to 8.2%, and the use of shallow tube well water reduced significantly from 25.8% to 0.4%. Households using water seal latrine were 13.3% in year 1 and increased significantly to 31.7% in year 3. ORS consumption at home changed significantly from 61.5% in the first year to 82.1% in third year. Multivariable analysis demonstrated patients’ age groups at 5 to 14 years, and 15 years and more, drinking non-tube well water, soap use after using toilet, use of non-sanitary toilet facility, father’s and mother’s lack of schooling, and some and severe dehydration were significantly associated with the Rohingya refugee population enrolled into the diarrheal disease surveillance. (4) Conclusion: The findings indicate significant advances in WASH service delivery as well as outreach activities by aid agencies for the Rohingya refugee population living in settlements.

Participation in multicultural awareness-raising community actions: Positive effects on well-being and group efficacy.

This participatory research sought to understand how engagement in awareness-raising multicultural activities strengthens well-being and group efficacy among immigrants and host nationals. We also examined the mediating role of self-transcendent emotions and shared flow. We tested our predictions across three studies, each focused on one awareness-raising activity organized by a nongovernmental organization, SOS Racismo-Mugak, working closely with the local community. This investigation was conducted in line with a community-based participatory research framework and thus with participation of community members in the procedure design, recruitment and data collection, as well as the dissemination of research findings. In Study 1, 204 participants responded to a survey before, during, and after participating in a multicultural lunch promoting interaction between immigrant and host national families. In Study 2, 106 participants were surveyed during an open-outdoors multicultural community meal. In Study 3, 93 participants completed an online survey after an antiracist protest. Self-transcendent emotions and shared flow explained the relationship between the quality of participation and well-being (Studies 1 and 2) among immigrants and host nationals. The indirect effect of shared flow was stronger for immigrants (Study 1). The relationship between quality of participation and group efficacy was mediated by self-transcendent emotions (Study 2) and shared flow (Study 3) for both groups. Our results point out that participation in community awareness-raising activities has several positive outcomes, such as individual and collective empowerment, and elicits shared flow and self-transcendent emotions among immigrants and host nationals. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Intra-cultural and Inter-cultural Contact Orientation of International Students in Japan: Uncertainty Management by Cultural Identification

The lack of exchange between international students and host nationals in Japan has long been a pressing issue, yet very little progress has been made to rectify this situation. This study examined this issue by focusing on how international students in Japan perceive intercultural contact with their host and home culture members during their sojourn. The study applied a qualitative approach based on grounded theory, collecting data through semi-structured interviews with 41 international students from China, the UK, and the USA, and tenets of Social Identity Theory and Anxiety/Uncertainty Management Theory were adopted. We analyzed the data on a framework of how international students manage uncertainty in the Japanese environment by identifying with the host and their own home cultures, which we distinguished as inter-cultural or intra-cultural contact orientation. International students demonstrated an intra-cultural rather than inter-cultural contact orientation due to the host nationals reacting to them as “foreigners.”