Toward a general theory of expatriates’ cross-cultural adjustment

Abstract

Abstract This study employs a dynamic rather than a static and contextual rather than cultural conceptual framework for expatriate managers’ cross-cultural adjustment. It applies theories of learning-unlearning and of role behavior to explain what expatriates’ values, attitudes and behavior are being adjusted, how they are being adjusted and why they are being adjusted. A dynamic and contextual conceptualization of the process of cross-cultural adjustment refines theory by presenting adjustment as a continuous rather than as sporadic process; by providing a framework for identifying and prioritizing sources of the “push” and “pull” to adjust; and by generalizing theory of cross-cultural adjustment to include sojourners other than expatriates. Data were collected using an intensive literature search of publications in the English language. The study’s conceptual framework has the potential to enhance the development of a general theory of cross-cultural adjustment and to provide organizations with knowledge of how to define, measure and manage expatriate-managers’ adjustment, and, therefore, the ability to develop and employ tools to assist in the selection, training, performance management and evaluation and compensation of expatriates.