Factors Affecting the Cross-cultural Adjustment of Female Expatriates on International Assignments: Assessing the Importance of Family Support, Position Power, Attitudes of Host Country Nationals, and Company Support

Abstract

Objectives: The main objective of this study was to find out the factors that affect the cross-cultural adjustment of female expatriates on international assignments. In addition, the aim was to find whether there are differences in the ability to adjust cross-culturally between male and female expatriates.

Summary: A framework of the factors affecting the cross-cultural adjustment of female expatriates was established by using previous literature. These four factors are family support, position power, attitudes of host country nationals, and company support. Then, the importance of these factors, as well as the possible gender differences were evaluated through qualitative research.

Conclusions: According to the research, women are well-adjusted on international assignments, and there are no major differences in the ability to adjust cross-culturally between female and male expatriates.

Family support, position power, attitudes of host nationals, and company support were all important factors for the cross-cultural adjustment of the respondents. The research also found other important factors for the cross-cultural adjustment of female expatriates, such as the personality of the expatriate, previous experience from international assignments, as well as the culture of the host country.