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Exploring expatriate adjustment through identity perspective

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  • Peltokorpi, Vesa
  • Zhang, Ling Eleanor

Abstract

This study reveals multifaceted identities experienced by corporate expatriates and how these identities are related to expatriate host country work and non-work adjustment. Specifically, we take a symbolic interactionism-based identity theory perspective and examine qualitative data from 73 corporate expatriates in China and Japan, revealing an expatriate identity (i.e., identification with being a manager and a foreigner), and a cultural identity (i.e., identification with home and host country cultures) which through identity stability/change are related to the mode and degree of expatriate work and non-work adjustment. Our findings suggest that these identities explain how corporate expatriates shape their new environment to their preferences, instead of adjusting to it.

Suggested Citation

  • Peltokorpi, Vesa & Zhang, Ling Eleanor, 2020. "Exploring expatriate adjustment through identity perspective," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 29(3).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:iburev:v:29:y:2020:i:3:s0969593120300056
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ibusrev.2020.101667
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Xie, Jinju & Peltokorpi, Vesa, 2024. "Cultural identity threats and identity work of skilled migrants in multinational corporations," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 33(2).
    2. Sana Mumtaz & Sadia Nadeem, 2022. "Understanding the Integration of Psychological and Socio-cultural Factors in Adjustment of Expatriates: An AUM Process Model," SAGE Open, , vol. 12(1), pages 21582440221, February.
    3. Miller, Stewart R. & Moore, Fiona & Eden, Lorraine, 2024. "Ethics and international business research: Considerations and best practices," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 33(1).

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