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Expatriate Return on Investment : A Definition and Antecedents

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  • YVONNE M. MCNULTY
  • PHYLLIS THARENOU

Abstract

Expatriate return on investment (ROI) is undoubtedly an important topic, as evidenced by the considerable efforts of multinational corporations (MNCs) to find cost-reducing alternatives to long-term international assignments. Yet no studies exist examining how expatriate ROI may be calculated and what factors may increase or decrease expatriate ROI for the firm. The purpose of this article is to advance our understanding of expatriate ROI by examining the following: (1) What is expatriate ROI, and how can it be defined, and (2) What are the antecedents of expatriate ROI in terms of the human resource (HR) activities that would increase or decrease ROI. In addressing the research questions, the article formulates hypotheses to guide future research to develop an understanding of expatriate ROI. It does so by adopting a multidisciplinary approach and considering the context of an assignment's purpose. The article covers the following: (1) a proposed definition of expatriate ROI, (2) the importance of an effective system of HR activities and its expected impact on ROI, (3) factors that should be considered in order to improve the accuracy of ROI calculations, and (4) why "one best" ROI formula may not result in a meaningful rate of return. It is intended that the findings of this article will enable scholars and practitioners to have a framework by which to advance research in this important area.

Suggested Citation

  • Yvonne M. Mcnulty & Phyllis Tharenou, 2004. "Expatriate Return on Investment : A Definition and Antecedents," International Studies of Management & Organization, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 34(3), pages 68-95, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:mimoxx:v:34:y:2004:i:3:p:68-95
    DOI: 10.1080/00208825.2004.11043710
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    Cited by:

    1. Guttormsen, David S.A., 2018. "Does the ‘non-traditional expatriate’ exist? A critical exploration of new expatriation categories," Scandinavian Journal of Management, Elsevier, vol. 34(3), pages 233-244.
    2. Allen D. Engle & Zsuzsanna Szeiner & Sylvia Molnár & József Poór, 2024. "Key Factors of Corporate Expatriates' Cross-Cultural Adjustment - an Empirical Study," Central European Business Review, Prague University of Economics and Business, vol. 2024(4), pages 39-58.
    3. Lovin Daniel & Lukacs Edit & David Sofia, 2021. "Evaluation of Cultural Intelligence in Sports Management through Country Navigator Software," Risk in Contemporary Economy, "Dunarea de Jos" University of Galati, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, pages 407-425.
    4. Yvonne McNulty & Helen Cieri, 2011. "Global Mobility in the 21st Century," Management International Review, Springer, vol. 51(6), pages 897-919, December.
    5. Renshaw, Phil St John & Dickmann, Michael & Parry, Emma, 2022. "The value of international assignments through the lens of real-options-reasoning," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 151(C), pages 423-434.
    6. Moreira, Márcia Zabdiele & Ogasavara, Mário Henrique, 2018. "Formal and informal institutions and the expatriation assignment: The case of Japanese subsidiaries in Latin America," Japan and the World Economy, Elsevier, vol. 47(C), pages 18-26.
    7. Anika Breitenmoser & Benjamin Bader, 2016. "Repatriation outcomes affecting corporate ROI: a critical review and future agenda," Management Review Quarterly, Springer, vol. 66(3), pages 195-234, June.
    8. McNulty, Yvonne & De Cieri, Helen & Hutchings, Kate, 2013. "Expatriate return on investment in the Asia Pacific: An empirical study of individual ROI versus corporate ROI," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 48(2), pages 209-221.
    9. Collings, David G., 2014. "Integrating global mobility and global talent management: Exploring the challenges and strategic opportunities," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 49(2), pages 253-261.

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