Self-initiated expatriates: An exploratory study of adjustment of adult third-culture kids vs. adult mono-culture kids

Abstract

Purpose

As it has been suggested that adult third-culture kids may be more culturally adaptable than others, they have been labelled “the ideal” expatriates. The purpose of this paper is to explore the adjustment of self-initiated expatriate academics in Hong Kong, comparing adult third-culture kids with adult mono-culture kids.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use survey results from 267 self-initiated expatriate academics in Hong Kong.

Findings

Exploratory results show that adult third-culture kids had a higher extent of general adjustment. No significant results were found in relation to interaction adjustment and job adjustment. The authors also found that recent expatriate experiences generally had a positive association with the adjustment of adult mono-culture kids, but this association only existed in terms of general adjustment for adult third-culture kids.

Originality/value

Once corroborated by further studies, this exploratory research project may contribute to the understanding of the adjustment of adult third-culture kids as well as the role of experience and multicultural abilities. Few, if any, prior studies, have examined adjustment of this group of self-initiated expatriates.

Citation

Selmer, J. and Lauring, J. (2014), "Self-initiated expatriates: An exploratory study of adjustment of adult third-culture kids vs. adult mono-culture kids", Cross Cultural Management: An International Journal, Vol. 21 No. 4, pp. 422-436. https://doi.org/10.1108/CCM-01-2013-0005