Self-initiated expatriates: An exploratory study of adjustment of adult third-culture kids vs. adult mono-culture kids. Issue 4 (30th September 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Selmer, Jan; Lauring, Jakob
• Is Part Of: Cross cultural management. Volume 21:Issue 4(2014)
• Page Start: 422
• Page End: 436
• Publication Date: 2014-09-30
• Subjects: Hong Kong -- Adjustment -- Self-initiated expatriates -- Adult mono-culture kids -- Adult third-culture kids -- Social cognition theory; Management -- Cross-cultural studies -- Periodicals; Management -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; International business enterprises -- Management -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Diversity in the workplace -- Periodicals; 658
• DOI: 10.1108/CCM-01-2013-0005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1352-7606

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: – As it has been suggested that adult third-culture kids may be more culturally adaptable than others, they have been labelled "the ideal" expatriates. The purpose of this paper is to explore the adjustment of self-initiated expatriate academics in Hong Kong, comparing adult third-culture kids with adult mono-culture kids. Design/methodology/approach: – The authors use survey results from 267 self-initiated expatriate academics in Hong Kong. Findings: – Exploratory results show that adult third-culture kids had a higher extent of general adjustment. No significant results were found in relation to interaction adjustment and job adjustment. The authors also found that recent expatriate experiences generally had a positive association with the adjustment of adult mono-culture kids, but this association only existed in terms of general adjustment for adult third-culture kids. Originality/value: – Once corroborated by further studies, this exploratory research project may contribute to the understanding of the adjustment of adult third-culture kids as well as the role of experience and multicultural abilities. Few, if any, prior studies, have examined adjustment of this group of self-initiated expatriates.