Cross-cultural adjustment of expatriates: The role of emotional intelligence and gender

Alexei Koveshnikov, Heidi Wechtler and Cecile Dejoux

Journal of World Business, 2014, vol. 49, issue 3, 362-371

Abstract: The study examines the role of emotional intelligence (EI) in cross-cultural adjustment (CCA) of expatriates on international assignments. Based on a sample of 269 French expatriates operating in 133 countries, our analysis finds a significant and positive relationship between EI and expatriates’ general living, interactional and work-related CCA. Additionally, it shows that cultural similarity only facilitates general living adjustment and not interactional or work adjustments. Finally, our analysis reveals an interesting interaction effect between gender and the ability to appraise and express emotions: the influence of the latter on all three dimensions of CCA tends to be slightly stronger for male than female expatriates. The study offers important practical implications for organizations concerning the identification and development of successful expatriates.

Keywords: Expatriates; Cross-cultural adjustment; Emotional intelligence; Cultural similarity; Gender (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2014
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (14)

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DOI: 10.1016/j.jwb.2013.07.001

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