Individual profiles as predictors of expatriate effectiveness
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to assess the relationship between expatriate personality and effectiveness on overseas assignments.
Design/methodology/approach
Survey data were collected from 118 expatriates who were currently on assignments overseas or had been on an assignment in the past.
Findings
Results of multiple regression analysis show expatriate personality traits to be significant predictors of two of the effectiveness measured used. Extraversion, emotional stability, and openness have a significant, positive impact on expatriate adjustment, and agreeableness is significant and positively associate with expatriate job performance.
Practical implications
Organizations may be well‐served to consider expatriate personality as an important criterion for selection for overseas assignments, as successful assignments reflect on the organization in a number of ways and thus contribute to the company's global competitiveness.
Originality/value
Extant research on the connection between expatriate personality and effectiveness has been limited, relies on expatriate or supervisor perceptions of which traits they believe are important to success, and has been inconsistent in measuring the effectiveness construct. This paper directly assesses personality and employs multiple dimensions of effectiveness, thus contributing to the understanding of this relationship.
Keywords
Citation
Downes, M., Varner, I.I. and Hemmasi, M. (2010), "Individual profiles as predictors of expatriate effectiveness", Competitiveness Review, Vol. 20 No. 3, pp. 235-247. https://doi.org/10.1108/10595421011047424
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2010, Emerald Group Publishing Limited