Exploring expatriate outcomes

Brewster, C. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5314-1518, Bonache, J., Cerdin, J.-L. and Suutari, V. (2014) Exploring expatriate outcomes. The International Journal of Human Resource Management, 25 (14). pp. 1921-1937. ISSN 1466-4399 doi: 10.1080/09585192.2013.870284

Abstract/Summary

This editorial article introduces this special issue of the International Journal of Human Resource Management devoted to the outcomes of expatriate assignments. We set the topic in context. We start by summarizing the traditional view on expatriate outcomes. We then argue that recent developments in the field suggest the need to build a more sophisticated and complex analysis on the topic that incorporates different perspectives (e.g. the organization, the expatriate, their co-workers and their families) and additional types of international experiences and organizations. We then present some difficulties in developing such an analysis. Specifically, using a new typology of complementary relationships among outcomes (i.e. temporal, among-group and among-outcome consistencies), we point out some complications to achieve those relationships. We conclude by introducing the papers in the special edition that all in some way aim to contribute to our understanding of expatriate outcomes.