Multifaceted effects of host country language proficiency in expatriate cross-cultural adjustments: a qualitative study in China. Issue 13 (19th July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhang, Ling Eleanor; Peltokorpi, Vesa
• Is Part Of: International journal of human resource management. Volume 27:Issue 13(2016)
• Page Start: 1448
• Page End: 1469
• Publication Date: 2016-07-19
• Subjects: China -- cross-cultural adjustment -- expatriate -- language proficiency; Personnel management -- Periodicals; Human capital -- Management -- Periodicals; 658.3
• DOI: 10.1080/09585192.2015.1072104
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0958-5192

Abstract

Abstract : While expatriates often face language barriers in host countries, relatively little research has focused on the influence of host country language proficiency on cross-cultural adjustment. We drew on social identity theory and conducted an interview-based study with 70 expatriates and their host country national (HCN) colleagues to provide a contextual account of host country language proficiency's effects on work and non-work-related adjustment in China. Our findings suggest that expatriate host country language proficiency has multifaceted effects on expatriates' HCN interaction, social support, and network-related work and non-work adjustment.