Self-initiated expatriates motivation and basic psychological needs – a generalization and extension replication

PurposeThis research aims to replicate the work of Oberholster et al. (2013) on expatriation motivation through a generalization and extension replication. Additionally, it aims to contribute to the Self-Initiated Expatriates (SIEs) literature by studying the Basic Psychological Needs (BPNs) of SIEs as proposed by the Self-Determination Theory (SDT).Design/methodology/approachThis research used Latent Class Analysis (LCA) with covariate estimation to create five clusters based on survey data from 179 SIEs. Additionally, the replication procedure followed recommendations by Dau et al. (2022) to produce a constructive replication.FindingsBesides validating clusters in the original study, one new cluster was found. Furthermore, identifying the BPNs of the clusters helped in understanding the mechanism that motivates them.Research limitations/implicationsBy studying the BPNs as per the SDT, this research contributes to our understanding of the psychological factors that shape expatriates' motivations and experiences. This can inform the knowledge developed in the international mobility theories and the models related to SIEs' psychological well-being.Practical implicationsBuilding on the results of this research, organizations can tailor recruiting and retaining strategies to the specific BPNs of different SIEs groups. Organizations can motivate SIEs, enhance their job satisfaction and loyalty, predict their success, and support their psychological well-being.Originality/valueA generalization and extension replication value lies in testing the validity and reliability of previous findings in new contexts. The originality in this research stems from its utilization of the BPNs from SDT to explain SIEs' motivation and evaluate their psychological well-being.