Host country national support to expatriates: a motivated information processing perspective

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Young-Jae Yoon ◽  
Arup Varma ◽  
Anastasia Katou ◽  
Youngjae Cha ◽  
Soohyun Lee
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Information Processing ◽  
Host Country ◽  
Social Motivation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Expatriate Adjustment ◽  
Host Country Nationals ◽  
Epistemic Motivation ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Motivated Information Processing

PurposeThe support of host country nationals (HCNs) is a key determinant of expatriate adjustment and performance. The purpose of this paper is to explore underlying motivations for their support to expatriates. Previous research has shown that HCNs with pro-social motivation are more likely to help expatriates. Drawing upon motivated information processing in groups (MIP-G) theory, the authors test whether epistemic motivation moderates the observed relationship between pro-social motivation and HCNs’ support toward expatriates.Design/methodology/approachThe authors ran two correlational studies (N = 267) in the USA (Study 1) and South Korea (Study 2). Across two studies, epistemic motivation and social motivation were measured using their multiple proxies validated in previous research. The authors also measured HCNs’ willingness to offer role information and social support to a hypothetical expatriate worker.FindingsResults lend support to our hypotheses that pro-social HCNs are more willing than pro-self HCNs to provide role information and social support to the expatriates, but this occurs only when they have high rather than low epistemic motivation.Originality/valueThe current paper contributes the literature on HCNs helping expatriates by qualifying the prior results that a pro-social motivation (e.g. agreeableness and collectivism) increases the willingness of HCNs to help expatriates. As hypothesized, this study found that that case is only true when HCNs have high, rather than low, epistemic motivation. Also, previous research on MIP-G theory has mainly focused on the performance of small groups (e.g. negotiation, creativity and decision-making). To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research is the first attempt to test MIP-G theory in the context of HCNs helping expatriates.

scholarly journals Interpersonal affect and host country national support of expatriates

2016 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 476-495 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arup Varma ◽  
Pawan Budhwar ◽  
Anastasia Katou ◽  
Jossy Matthew
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Host Country ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Global Organizations ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Host Country Nationals ◽  
The Usa ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the role played by host country nationals’ (HCNs) collectivism and the interpersonal affect they develop toward expatriate colleagues, in determining the degree to which Chinese HCNs would be willing to offer role information and social support to expatriates from India and the USA. Design/methodology/approach The authors conducted a between-subjects simulation (n=402) with front-line, junior-level professionals in four global organizations operating in China, measuring their interpersonal affect toward a hypothetical expatriate colleague, and their willingness to offer role information and social support to the expatriate. Findings Results indicated the interpersonal affect felt by Chinese HCNs mediates the relationship between the collectivism levels of Chinese HCNs, and their willingness to offer role information and social support to expatriates. Research limitations/implications It should be acknowledged that the authors used hypothetical “paper-people” to test the hypotheses. Future studies should investigate the impact of collectivism and interpersonal affect on HCN willingness to offer role information and social support by examining HCNs’ attitudes toward real-life expatriate colleagues. Originality/value While empirical studies examining HCN willingness to offer role information and social support have begun to emerge in the expatriate literature, only a couple of studies have included interpersonal affect as a key determinant. Given that interpersonal affect is a key determinant of individuals’ reactions to others, but also a complex construct, the findings confirm the need for organizations to examine how this impacts performance and co-worker interactions in the workplace.

International adjustment of female vs male business expatriates. A replication study in Switzerland

2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 183-212 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xavier Salamin ◽  
Eric Davoine
Keyword(s):  
Host Country ◽  
Cultural Adjustment ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
Analysis Of Covariance ◽  
International Assignments ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Expatriate Adjustment ◽  
Host Country Nationals ◽  
French Speaking

Purpose – Reasons for women’s underrepresentation in international assignments include stereotypical assumptions within organizations about their ability to adjust abroad and more broadly a lack of trust from the corporate headquarters. Female expatriates’ adjustment may strongly vary depending on the host country and on host-country nationals’ attitudes toward them. Yet up until today, very few studies have examined female expatriate adjustment in a single and non-Asian host country. The purpose of this paper is to address this gap by comparing the cross-cultural adjustment of male and female expatriates in Switzerland. Design/methodology/approach – This study replicates Selmer and Leung’s (2003a) study design in order to compare adjustment of male and female expatriates working in multinational companies in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. Based on 152 valid questionnaires collected, the authors performed a multivariate analysis of covariance and further analyses of covariance to compare male and female expatriate adjustment. Findings – The authors find that female expatriates have significantly higher interaction and work adjustment levels than their male counterparts, while no significant differences between men and women were observed in terms of general adjustment. These findings in a European context are consistent with those of Selmer and Leung in an Asian context. Originality/value – Very few studies to date have examined the adjustment of female expatriates in a western host-country context, despite the fact that host-country cultural norms might strongly influence women’s experiences. The research brings new empirical evidence about cross-cultural adjustment of female and male expatriates in a western location. Contrary to persistent stereotypical assumptions, results emphasize again that women are able to adjust better or at least as well as their male counterparts.

The categorization of expatriates and the support offered by host country nationals

2016 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shirley C. Sonesh ◽  
Angelo S. DeNisi
Keyword(s):  
Host Country ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Host Country Nationals ◽  
Group Members ◽  
Expatriate Assignments ◽  
The Right ◽  
National Stereotypes

Purpose – Although several authors have suggested that host country nationals (HCNs) play an important role in the management of expatriates (e.g. Toh and DeNisi, 2003; Farh et al., 2010), research has also suggested that this relationship is not always good, and the flow of critical information to expatriates can be limited. This is especially true when HCNs categorize the expatriates as “out-group” members. The purpose of this paper is to examine potential determinants of categorization decisions as well as potential outcomes related to expatriate socialization. Design/methodology/approach – The paper employs a dyadic survey approach to determine the antecedents to expatriate categorization and HCN socialization behaviors from the perspective of both the expatriate and HCN. Findings – The results of survey data from 65 expatriate-HCN dyads indicated that expatriate ethnocentrism and the salience of the expatriates’ nationality were important predictors of categorization, but that categorization was related to only one dimension of socialization. However, affect was found to play a role in predicting socialization behaviors. Research limitations/implications – There is potential selection bias since expatriates chose HCNs as respondents, but results suggested this was not a serious problem. Other limitations include a relatively small sample size and the fact that a number of contextual issues such as national stereotypes and MNC strategy, are not controlled for. Practical implications – Implications of these findings for the successful management of expatriate assignments include sending over expatriates with the right relational skills, and those low in ethnocentrism, rather than just the right technical skills. Originality/value – The present study was one of the first to empirically test the potential role of categorization in the process of socialization.

scholarly journals Early global Trotters and their entrepreneurial employment practices

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 378-384 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qianqian Chai ◽  
Cherry Wun Mei Cheung ◽  
Caleb Kwong
Keyword(s):  
Host Country ◽  
Multinational Enterprises ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Wage Differential ◽  
Governance Structure ◽  
Employment Practices ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Blue Book ◽  
Host Country Nationals ◽  
Internal Context

Purpose Questions have often been asked of the ethicality of multinational enterprises (MNEs) with the conducts of many being classified as exploitative. This is particularly so the internal context, where MNEs are often reluctant to employ host country nationals at important positions and treat their host and parent countries employees differently. This study aims to examine whether the locals are really getting the raw end of the deal. Design/methodology/approach Utilising a unique record book that is available about the employment details of civil servants in Hong Kong known as the blue book, this study intends to examine whether first-moving multinational organisations treated their local employees in an ethical and reasonable manner, for the employees entering the service between 1845-1850. Findings The data suggests that, overall, host country nationals earn much less than not only the British but also those from third countries. Moreover, parent country nationals were placed at important officer and supervisory roles, as oppose to host country nationals at the bottom, forming a typically ethnocentric governance structure (Perlmutter, 1969). Furthermore, even divided by grade, the starting salary difference between host and parent country nationals remain considerable. However, the reason for this is complex, and the authors do not have a quick and precise answer as to whether there has been discrimination. Research limitations/implications The findings perhaps explain the dilemma faced by the early-movers because they tend to feel the strong need of adopting an ethnocentric approach, which can be extremely costly as a result of the large wage differential. A balance needs to be struck between this and utilising host country nationals, which might not necessarily possess all the essential qualities but might be cheaper. Originality/value This is the first study examining the employment practices of fast-moving MNEs.

Combining lifelines to thrive: a stage-based need fulfilment network of international assignees

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Prantika Ray ◽  
Sunil Kumar Maheshwari
Keyword(s):  
Human Resource Management ◽  
Human Resource ◽  
Host Country ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
International Assignment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Host Country Nationals ◽  
Developmental Network ◽  
Mentoring Functions ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe paper tries to understand the needs of the international assignees across the different stages of expatriation and how different developers in the professional and non-professional sphere render support and advice through these stages.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, the authors have interviewed 20 expatriates of various nationalities and tried to understand the various needs of the expatriates across the three initial stages of an assignment.FindingsThe paper finds that four important mentors in an expatriation assignment play multiple need-based mentoring functions at various assignment stages: host country nationals (HCNs), parent country nationals, fellow expatriates and family.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper contributes to the literature on the need-based support rendered to expatriates during an international assignment. The paper, however, does not incorporate the perceptions of other vital stakeholders in the network and their intentions to contribute to the developmental network.Practical implicationsThis paper lays down important practical implications for expatriates and the human resource management (HRM) professionals. This paper urges the practitioners to take a nuanced approach for developing expatriates than a generalized mentoring programme.Originality/valueThis study highlights the changing needs of the international assignees across the stages of an international assignment and demonstrates the important intra-organizational and extra-organizational developers such as family members in the fulfilment of these needs.

Effects of workaholism on satisfaction among US managerial and professional women

2015 ◽  
Vol 30 (8) ◽  
pp. 635-651 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniele V Levy
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Job Satisfaction ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Professional Women ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Work Enjoyment ◽  
High Drive ◽  
The Usa

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to evaluate relationships between workaholism and satisfaction outcomes with job, career and life overall among managerial and professional women and explore the moderating role of social support in these associations. Design/methodology/approach – Self-report measures collected online from 350 alumnae from top-ranked business schools currently in the US labor force were analyzed through hierarchical multiple regression analyses. Findings – Workaholism components explained significant amounts of variance in job, career and life satisfaction. Specifically, lower levels of work enjoyment were consistently associated with detrimental outcomes and high drive impacted both job and life satisfaction negatively. Social support moderated the relationship between job satisfaction and workaholism through work enjoyment, with women with greater social support demonstrating higher job satisfaction at equivalent work enjoyment levels versus those with low social support. Research limitations/implications – This paper shares methodological weaknesses involving the nature of the sample and self-report methods of measurement common to workaholism research. Practical implications – In the context of today’s competitive workplaces, results provide a cautionary message of the harmful effects of workaholic dispositions for a certain segment of professional women. It emphasizes the importance of work enjoyment and positive intrinsic motivation, while suggesting that job designs that reflect the work involvement predispositions of each woman can be beneficial. Originality/value – This paper extends the understanding of workaholism correlates to female MBA graduates from top management schools in the USA and investigates, for the first time, the role of social support in those relationships.

Expatriate demographic characteristics and host country national support: an empirical investigation in Central/South America

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Arup Varma ◽  
Young-Jae Yoon ◽  
Fabian Jintae Froese
Keyword(s):  
South America ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Host Country ◽  
Social Identity Theory ◽  
Underlying Mechanism ◽  
Content Type ◽  
South Central ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Cultural Similarity ◽  
Central South

PurposeThe support of host country nationals (HCNs) is critical for expatriate adjustment and performance. Drawing from social identity theory and self-categorization theory, this study investigates the antecedents of HCNs' support toward expatriates in Central/South America, focusing on cultural similarities and expatriate race.Design/methodology/approachWe conducted a quasi-experimental study to understand the antecedents that promote the willingness of HCNs to offer required support to expatriates. Data were gathered from 117 Latin American participants, who were asked to respond to questions about their perceptions of expatriates from the USA and their willingness to offer support to those expatriates.FindingsOverall, our findings suggest that HCNs are likely to provide support to expatriates when they perceive the expatriates as similar in terms of culture and race. Specifically, African Americans received more positive attitudes and support than White Americans in South/Central America. The effect of cultural similarity on HCN willingness to support expatriates was mediated by perceived trustworthiness.Originality/valueThe present study extends the research on HCN support to expatriates, to Central/South America, an important region that has been under-studied in the expatriate–HCN context. Another novel feature of our study is that we investigate the role of expatriate race and cultural similarity and illuminate the underlying mechanism of the relationship between expatriate race and HCN support.

Product knowledge and information processing of organic foods

2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 240-252 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie V. Stanton ◽  
Laurel Aynne Cook
Keyword(s):  
Information Processing ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Product Knowledge ◽  
National Brand ◽  
Organic Foods ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Subjective Knowledge ◽  
Label Information ◽  
Realistic Representation ◽  
The Usa

Purpose This paper aims to examine how product knowledge influences consumers to consider available information before choosing between organic and non-organic options. As “certified organic” is based on a complex standard in the USA, many consumers have only partial understanding of the term. This research shows how that knowledge influences consumer evaluation of the options presented in the market. Design/methodology/approach A two-study experimental survey that offers respondents a choice between two canned soups, one organic and one not, along with front- and back-of-label information which they can decide to use is utilized. The two studies differ in inclusion of national brand. Findings Consumer behavior with respect to information significantly affects rationale for product choice, and higher levels of knowledge are associated with choice rationale. Objective and subjective knowledge influence information processing differently. Inaccurate knowledge displayed by consumers influences their information processing behavior. Research limitations/implications While the survey stimuli are a realistic representation of two products, the online survey abstracts from in-store distractors that might influence behavior. The product chosen, while familiar and commonly consumed, is a low-involvement product which may reduce consumer effort. Practical/implications Marketers of organic foods must understand the level of knowledge held by consumers, as well as the information that most influences their choices if the industry is to grow further. Originality/value This study contrasts subjective and objective knowledge about organic foods and calculates the degree to which consumers under- versus over-estimate “organic” in their ignorance. As such, the research offers insight into a well-established label claim that has yet to achieve significant market share.

Host Country Nationals’ Attitudes, Social Support and Willingness to Work with Expatriates

2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 1184-1199
Author(s):  
Evans Sokro ◽  
Soma Pillay
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Survey Data ◽  
Host Country ◽  
Research And Practice ◽  
Host Country Nationals ◽  
Expatriate Employees

This study investigates host country nationals’ (HCNs) attitudes towards expatriates and their implications for willingness to co-work and offer social support. Survey data from 211 HCNs indicate that attitudes of HCNs directly influence their willingness to provide social support to expatriate employees in host subsidiaries. The results of the study also reveal that HCNs’ attitudes are positively related to the willingness of host employees to co-work with expatriates. Implications of our findings for research and practice are presented.

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