Re-expatriation inclinations among skilled female self-initiated repatriates in Asia's rapidly emerging markets

Abstract

Purpose

Integrating identity theory and role theory, this study examines the re-expatriation inclinations of highly-skilled professional female self-initiated repatriates (SIRs) in an Asian rapidly emerging market (REM) and the reasons underlying these inclinations.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a survey on a sample of highly-skilled professional female SIRs in Vietnam (N = 248). Structural equation modelling was used to evaluate the model.

Findings

The study found that female SIRs' career identity, family identity and social identity have a significant influence on their inclinations to re-expatriate. Attitude towards re-expatriation fully mediates the influence of family identity and career identity on re-expatriation inclinations.

Research limitations/implications

This research was limited to female SIRs in one REM, namely Vietnam, and may lack generalisability in countries and contexts.

Originality/value

By delineating the identity-related factors that contribute to skilled female SIRs' inclinations to re-expatriate and recognising gender as a complex, multifaceted social construct, the authors broaden the way expatriation is conceptualised and isolate factors that can inform practices for recruitment and retention of this important sub-set of international talent.

Citation

Ho, N.T.T., Seet, P.-S., Jones, J. and Hoang, H.T. (2023), "Re-expatriation inclinations among skilled female self-initiated repatriates in Asia's rapidly emerging markets", International Journal of Manpower, Vol. 44 No. 7, pp. 1399-1414. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJM-03-2022-0146