Enhancing international assignees’ performance with online social networks

Kerri Anne Crowne, Richard J. Goeke and Mary Shoemaker

Journal of Global Mobility, 2015, vol. 3, issue 4, 397-417

Abstract: Purpose - – Adjustment to the new locale is one of the primary factors that influence performance on an international assignment. The purpose of this paper is to propose a model that depicts how online social networks may contribute to international assignees’ adjustment via their influence on well-being and knowledge transfer. Design/methodology/approach - – The present research uses network theory and readily available technology to develop a model of how online supportive social networks and informational social networks may increase the international assignee’s well-being and knowledge transfer (with prior/next assignees and with the organization). These increases will subsequently have a positive impact on the assignee’s adjustment and ultimately his/her job performance. Findings - – Since this paper is conceptual rather than empirical, there are no findings; however, it is argued that online social networks may have a positive impact on an expatriate’s well-being, knowledge transfer, adjustment, and job performance. Research limitations/implications - – This paper is a conceptual piece, so data will need to be collected to test the model developed here. Furthermore, other factors may influence international assignee adjustment, such as spouse and/or family adjustment. Practical implications - – Suggestions are provided regarding how organizations can utilize in-house or external online social networks to assist international assignees. Originality/value - – Despite the ubiquity of online social networks, there is a paucity of research examining the potential impact of online social networks on international assignees.

Keywords: Knowledge transfer; Expatriation; Well-being; International assignments; Work performance; Adjustment; Informational online social networks; Supportive online social networks (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2015
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eme:jgmpps:v:3:y:2015:i:4:p:397-417

DOI: 10.1108/JGM-09-2014-0045

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