Important factors for expatriate success
Laine, Riku (2013)
Laine, Riku
Turun ammattikorkeakoulu
2013
All rights reserved
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-201305025862
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-201305025862
Tiivistelmä
As the world is getting more global so are businesses and thus more and more companies are
sending their employees to work in a foreign country. Foreign assignments are often difficult as
there is a great number of different factors that require careful approach and planning. The
purpose of this thesis is to look into these factors and define what the most critical aspects are
when conducting a successful expatriate process.
This work consists of literature review of various theories in field of cultural adaptation as well as
personal and situation factors when working in foreign environment. In addition, a survey was
carried out in order to research attitudes of the business students who are potential future
executives and already have some experience from living in a foreign country.
The results of the analysis show that adequate support from home organization is highly valued
by expatriates. Results also indicate that monetary factors like positive effect on career
advancement and better salary are strong factors in initial motivaton to go abroad. Despite this
the more softer values like intellectual self improvement by language studies and improved
cultural awareness become the most important aspects once the preparation for the task
begins.
Recognizing these factors is crucial for any company or individual willing to tap into full potential
of working abroad.
sending their employees to work in a foreign country. Foreign assignments are often difficult as
there is a great number of different factors that require careful approach and planning. The
purpose of this thesis is to look into these factors and define what the most critical aspects are
when conducting a successful expatriate process.
This work consists of literature review of various theories in field of cultural adaptation as well as
personal and situation factors when working in foreign environment. In addition, a survey was
carried out in order to research attitudes of the business students who are potential future
executives and already have some experience from living in a foreign country.
The results of the analysis show that adequate support from home organization is highly valued
by expatriates. Results also indicate that monetary factors like positive effect on career
advancement and better salary are strong factors in initial motivaton to go abroad. Despite this
the more softer values like intellectual self improvement by language studies and improved
cultural awareness become the most important aspects once the preparation for the task
begins.
Recognizing these factors is crucial for any company or individual willing to tap into full potential
of working abroad.