Self-enhancement and cross-cultural adjustment: overclaiming in a global mobility context. Issue 2 (23rd June 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Templer, Klaus J.
• Is Part Of: Journal of global mobility. Volume 8:Issue 2(2020)
• Page Start: 161
• Page End: 182
• Publication Date: 2020-06-23
• Subjects: Cross-cultural adjustment -- Expatriates -- Foreign professionals -- Overclaiming technique -- Observer ratings -- Self-enhancement; Aliens -- Periodicals; Foreign workers -- Periodicals; Labor mobility -- Periodicals; Labor and globalization -- Periodicals; 305.90691
• DOI: 10.1108/JGM-08-2019-0041
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2049-8799

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: This study aimed to test Early and Ang's (2003) proposition that self-enhancement hinders successful cross-cultural adjustment. The literature on self-enhancement is reviewed, and the overclaiming technique as an unobtrusive measure of self-enhancement is introduced for use in global mobility contexts. Design/methodology/approach: Using the overclaiming technique, an international-cultural overclaiming test was developed. Expatriates in Singapore stated their familiarity with international-cultural knowledge items, with some of them being foil items, and rated their cross-cultural (general, interaction, work) adjustment. Supervisors rated the expatriates on their work adjustment and performance. Findings: Overclaiming was not related to self-rated cross-cultural adjustment. However, overclaiming was negatively related to supervisor rated work adjustment and performance. Additionally, the results showed that international-cultural knowledge accuracy was positively related to self-rated general adjustment and to supervisor rated work adjustment and performance. Research limitations/implications: The small sample size with a majority of expatriate teachers from international schools in the sample makes it necessary for the results to be replicated with larger and more varied expatriate samples. Practical implications: While further validation is needed, this research indicates that the overclaiming technique could be a valuable tool for assessing self-enhancement in candidates for expatriate positions in order to gauge potential cross-cultural (mal)adjustment, as perceived by others. Originality/value: This study was (likely) the first study that has applied the overclaiming technique in a global mobility context. An international-cultural knowledge overclaiming test is provided to academic researchers for future use.