Challenges of Expatriation and Repartriation
Author: Teodora G. Nikolaeva Study Program: BscB(IM) Supervisor: Sérgio André Cavalcante
The Challenges of Expatriation & Repatriation
Department of Management Aarhus School of Business Aarhus University 2010
Bachelor Thesis
Teodora G. Nikolaeva
Abstract
The current study analyzes the challenges of expatriation and repatriation. After introducing the main aspects of expatriation and analyzing the main challenges the human resource managers face during this process an introduction and analysis of the repatriation process is made. The bachelor thesis uses a realistic method to analyze the quantitative primary data collected. After presenting and discussing the results from the questionnaires that were used to gather the primary data. Having analyzed the results a conclusion is made. The thesis is ends with a description of the main problems that limited the research. Together with that suggestions about some further research relevant for the investigation of expatriation and repatriation are made.
Keywords: Expatriation, Repatriation, Adjustment, Turnover Rate, Culture Shock
2
Bachelor Thesis
Teodora G. Nikolaeva
Table of contents
1. Introduction 5 2. Theoretical background 8
2.1 Expatriation 8 2.1.1 Stages for selection and preparation of employees 8 A) Resourcing 8 B) Expatriate preparation and training 9 C) Cross-cultural training (CTT) 10 2.1.3 Stages during the expatriate stay in the host country 11 A) Oberg’s phases of adaptation 11 A1) Honeymoon 12 A2) Culture Shock 13 A3) Recovery 14 A4) Adjustment 14 2.2 Repatriation 15 2.2.1 Repatriation courses 15 2.2.1 Causes for repatriation failure and resignation from the employees 17 A) Repatriates’ expectations 17 B) Work-related changes 18 C) Socio-cultural changes 19
3. Methodology 20
3.1 Research Philosophies 20 3.2 Selecting Research Philosophy 21 3.3 Empirical Method 22 3.4 Data Collection 23
3
Bachelor Thesis 3.4.1 The Questionnaire 23 3.4.2 Method of selection of
The Challenges of Expatriation & Repatriation
Department of Management Aarhus School of Business Aarhus University 2010
Bachelor Thesis
Teodora G. Nikolaeva
Abstract
The current study analyzes the challenges of expatriation and repatriation. After introducing the main aspects of expatriation and analyzing the main challenges the human resource managers face during this process an introduction and analysis of the repatriation process is made. The bachelor thesis uses a realistic method to analyze the quantitative primary data collected. After presenting and discussing the results from the questionnaires that were used to gather the primary data. Having analyzed the results a conclusion is made. The thesis is ends with a description of the main problems that limited the research. Together with that suggestions about some further research relevant for the investigation of expatriation and repatriation are made.
Keywords: Expatriation, Repatriation, Adjustment, Turnover Rate, Culture Shock
2
Bachelor Thesis
Teodora G. Nikolaeva
Table of contents
1. Introduction 5 2. Theoretical background 8
2.1 Expatriation 8 2.1.1 Stages for selection and preparation of employees 8 A) Resourcing 8 B) Expatriate preparation and training 9 C) Cross-cultural training (CTT) 10 2.1.3 Stages during the expatriate stay in the host country 11 A) Oberg’s phases of adaptation 11 A1) Honeymoon 12 A2) Culture Shock 13 A3) Recovery 14 A4) Adjustment 14 2.2 Repatriation 15 2.2.1 Repatriation courses 15 2.2.1 Causes for repatriation failure and resignation from the employees 17 A) Repatriates’ expectations 17 B) Work-related changes 18 C) Socio-cultural changes 19
3. Methodology 20
3.1 Research Philosophies 20 3.2 Selecting Research Philosophy 21 3.3 Empirical Method 22 3.4 Data Collection 23
3
Bachelor Thesis 3.4.1 The Questionnaire 23 3.4.2 Method of selection of