Virtual expatriates: the nature and implications of their work

Jakob Lauring, Christina Butler, Charlotte Jonasson, Alexei Koveshnikov, Markus Pudelko and Sebastian Stoermer

Chapter 13 in The Authoritative Research Guide to Expatriates, 2025, pp 356-382 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: This chapter delves into the evolving theme of the work of international professionals known as virtual expatriates, a phenomenon emerging from the combination of the accelerated digitalisation of global business processes and the COVID-19 (Corona) pandemic, which prompted the widespread adoption of online virtual work. The chapter argues that traditional expatriate management research has lagged in adapting its understanding of expatriates to a new and more digital reality. This chapter begins by defining virtual expatriates and explaining how such international professionals navigate cultural and linguistic differences. Subsequently, the chapter examines the impact of virtuality and digitalisation on intercultural collaboration and management practices important for virtual expatriates. New possibilities for training individuals undertaking virtual expatriate assignments are discussed. The chapter concludes by outlining the theoretical and practical implications arising, and it offers future avenues for research in exploring virtual expatriate assignments in a digitalised world.

Keywords: Digitalisation; Expatriate job roles; Host country nationals; Leadership; Training; Virtual expatriates (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
ISBN: 9781035326457
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