Professional Documents
Culture Documents
0 Literature Review
A temporary immigrant who crosses into another country's territory and takes up
residence and employment there is known as an expatriate or expat (Andersen & et al). As an
expatriate, it is not a choice to be made lightly to pack up, relocate, and lead an expatriate
lifestyle. Before making such a major decision, there are several things to consider as there
are too many challenges that will occur during the journey of being an expatriate.
There are two major types of expatriation, which are assigned expatriates (AEs) and
self-initiated expatriates (SIEs). AEs move because of arrangements made by their parent
company while SIEs initiate their own movement hence emphasize the different challenges
face by each expatriates. According to Suutari (2022), cross-cultural leadership research has
largely been comparative research contrasting leadership styles of managers from different
countries. For example, the focus has been on understanding the differences and similarities
across national cultures. He also stated, if challenges faced in different cultures are studied,
the focus has traditionally been on the adjustment challenges faced by the expatriate and the
factors influencing adjustment.
According to V.P. Goby and Z.U. Ahmed (2002), expatriates face cultural shock,
differences in work norms, isolation, home sickness, a different system of healthcare
protection and education for children, a different language, cuisine, and other living costs.
Most expatriates face problems with both their work and personal adaptation; if unresolved,
these problems can cause stress for an employee, as well as a negative impact on his/her
professional career and the overall success of the foreign assignment (Qin, Zhou, 2009).
Expatriates have become one of the most important strategic assets in multinational
corporations, as they perform a wide range of important tasks in foreign subsidiaries,
positively impacting various aspects of subsidiary and headquarters performance. Expatriates
are inundated with feelings of anxiety and uncertainty of not knowing what to expect in the
host country both in work and non-work settings and these feelings can obstruct social
integration and performance.
One of the main challenges that expatriates face is cultural shock. This refers
to the feelings of disorientation, confusion, and anxiety that can occur when an
individual is exposed to a new and unfamiliar culture. Cultural shock can lead to a
range of negative outcomes, including stress, depression, and a lack of cultural
adaptation Factors that can influence the cultural adjustment process include the
expatriate's level of cultural intelligence, the support provided by the host
organization, and the expatriate's personal characteristics and coping strategies.
Several studies have also identified a link between expatriates' challenges and their
overall job performance and well-being. For example, expatriates who experience
difficulty with cultural adjustment may have lower job satisfaction and may be more
likely to experience stress and burnout.
Another major challenge that expatriates face is language barriers. The ability
to speak the local language is crucial for effective communication and social
interaction, and research has shown that expatriates who struggle with language
barriers are more likely to experience negative outcomes such as isolation and
dissatisfaction with the expatriate experience. Language barriers can lead to a range of
challenges for expatriates, including difficulty communicating with colleagues,
difficulties in assimilating into the host culture, and problems with building
relationships with local people. Additionally, language barriers can lead to feelings of
isolation and loneliness, which can negatively impact an expatriate's mental health
and well-being. Research also suggests that language barriers can negatively impact
an expatriate's job performance and career advancement. For example, expatriates
who struggle with the local language may have difficulty understanding important
business information and may not be able to effectively communicate with their
colleagues or clients. This can lead to difficulties in completing tasks, making
decisions, and achieving goals.
Some studies have also shown that language barriers can be particularly
challenging for expatriates who are also dealing with other stressors, such as cultural
differences, homesickness, or family problems. These stressors can compound the
difficulties caused by the language barrier, making it even more difficult for the
expatriate to successfully adapt to their new environment. In terms of solutions,
several studies have suggested that providing language training and support can help
expatriates overcome language barriers and reduce the challenges they face. This can
include offering language classes, providing access to language tutors or language
exchange partners, and encouraging expatriates to immerse themselves in the local
culture by participating in local activities and events.
Overall, the literature suggests that expatriates face a range of challenges when
adjusting to a new culture, but that these challenges can be overcome with the right
resources and support. Host organizations can support expatriates by providing
cultural training and support, and by creating a positive and inclusive work
environment. Additionally, expatriates can improve their own cultural adjustment by
developing their cultural intelligence and using effective coping strategies. Future
research in this area could focus on identifying specific strategies and interventions
that can support expatriates in overcoming these challenges and successfully adjusting
to their new cultural environment.