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Unpacking differences in psychological contracts of organizational and self-initiated expatriates

Author

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  • Kate Yue Zhang
  • Bart Rienties

Abstract

Purpose - Global staffing has remained a main focus within the field of international human resource management (IHRM) since the 1970s. However, research in the psychological contract (PC) of expatriates is limited. The purpose of this paper is to explore the differences in PC breach and violation for organisational expatriates and self-initiated expatriates (SIEs). Design/methodology/approach - A survey questionnaire was developed covering 52 organisational expatriates and 119 SIEs from 35 countries/regions working in China. Four follow-up focus group interviews including four organisational expatriates and 12 SIEs were conducted to further explain the findings of the survey. Findings - The findings indicate that organisational expatriates experience significantly lower levels of PC breach and violation than SIEs. Three broad thematic areas arose from the triangulation of focus group interviews, including uncertainties in functioning of contracts, differences in job securities and career development opportunities, and cultural differences. Practical implications - Employers should give a comprehensive orientation and cultural training to meet the needs of SIEs. Moreover, long-term career advancement paths should also be provided to SIEs to alleviate their vulnerability and insecurities working abroad. Originality/value - The study contributes to the scholarship of self-initiated expatriation and PCs and give implications to IHRM strategies.

Suggested Citation

  • Kate Yue Zhang & Bart Rienties, 2017. "Unpacking differences in psychological contracts of organizational and self-initiated expatriates," Journal of Global Mobility, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 5(1), pages 93-108, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:eme:jgmpps:jgm-06-2016-0025
    DOI: 10.1108/JGM-06-2016-0025
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Moore, Fiona, 2020. "Multiple interpretations of “national culture” and the implications for International business: The case of Taiwan," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 55(5).
    2. Johannes M Kraak & Yannick Griep & Yochanan Altman, 2024. "Self-initiated expatriates in menial jobs: Destructive psychological contracts in the hospitality sector," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 45(2), pages 447-469, May.
    3. Shao, Jun Jie & Bayraktar, Secil & Al Ariss, Akram, 2022. "Knowledge transfer of Chinese self-initiated repatriates: Exploring the returnee and company perspectives," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 150(C), pages 12-25.
    4. Koveshnikov, Alexei & Lehtonen, Miikka J. & Wechtler, Heidi, 2022. "Expatriates on the run: The psychological effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on expatriates’ host country withdrawal intentions," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 31(6).
    5. Chipoong Kim & Chul Chung & Chris Brewster, 2019. "Beyond Nationality: International Experience as a Key Dimension for Subsidiary Staffing Choices in MNEs," John H Dunning Centre for International Business Discussion Papers jhd-dp2019-03, Henley Business School, University of Reading.

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