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The shortest path to oneself leads around the world: Living abroad increases self-concept clarity

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  • Adam, Hajo
  • Obodaru, Otilia
  • Lu, Jackson G.
  • Maddux, William W.
  • Galinsky, Adam D.

Abstract

The current research explores the relationship between living abroad and self-concept clarity. We conducted six studies (N = 1,874) using different populations (online panels and MBA students), mixed methods (correlational and experimental), and complementary measures of self-concept clarity (self-report and self-other congruence through 360-degree ratings). Our results indicate that living abroad leads to a clearer sense of self because it prompts self-discerning reflections on whether parts of their identity truly define who they are or merely reflect their cultural upbringing. Furthermore, it is the depth (the length of time lived abroad) rather than the breadth (the number of foreign countries lived in) of living abroad experiences that enhances self-concept clarity. Finally, our results highlight an important consequence of the link between living abroad and self-concept clarity: career decision-making clarity. Our research suggests that going far from home can lead one closer to the self, with implications for significant life decisions.

Suggested Citation

  • Adam, Hajo & Obodaru, Otilia & Lu, Jackson G. & Maddux, William W. & Galinsky, Adam D., 2018. "The shortest path to oneself leads around the world: Living abroad increases self-concept clarity," Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Elsevier, vol. 145(C), pages 16-29.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jobhdp:v:145:y:2018:i:c:p:16-29
    DOI: 10.1016/j.obhdp.2018.01.002
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Eeva Kohonen, 2004. "Learning Through Narratives About the Impact of International Assignments on Identity," International Studies of Management & Organization, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 34(3), pages 27-45, January.
    2. Mittal, Banwari, 2015. "Self-concept clarity: Exploring its role in consumer behavior," Journal of Economic Psychology, Elsevier, vol. 46(C), pages 98-110.
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    Cited by:

    1. Chung, Myungjin & Saini, Ritesh, 2022. "Consumer self-uncertainty increases price dependency," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 140(C), pages 40-48.
    2. Rolf Sternberg & David Breitenbach, 2023. "Youth Entrepreneurship in Germany: Empirical Evidence on the How, the Why, the How Many, the Who and the When," Economies, MDPI, vol. 11(6), pages 1-30, June.
    3. Dane, Erik, 2024. "Promoting and supporting epiphanies in organizations: A transformational approach to employee development," Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Elsevier, vol. 180(C).
    4. Pidduck, Robert J. & Busenitz, Lowell W. & Zhang, Yejun & Ghosh Moulick, Abhisekh, 2020. "Oh, the places you’ll go: A schema theory perspective on cross-cultural experience and entrepreneurship," Journal of Business Venturing Insights, Elsevier, vol. 14(C).
    5. Pidduck, Robert J. & Shaffer, Margaret A. & Zhang, Yejun & Cheung, Sally S.Y. & Yunlu, Dilek G., 2022. "Cultural intelligence: An identity lens on the influence of cross-cultural experience," Journal of International Management, Elsevier, vol. 28(3).

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