Expatriates on the run: The psychological effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on expatriates' host country withdrawal intentions. Issue 6 (December 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Koveshnikov, Alexei; Lehtonen, Miikka J.; Wechtler, Heidi
• Is Part Of: International business review. Volume 31:Issue 6(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-12
• Subjects: Expatriates -- COVID-19 -- Health concerns -- Family -- Workplace discrimination -- Stress -- Gender -- Work adjustment -- Host country withdrawal intentions; International business enterprises -- Periodicals; 338.8805
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ibusrev.2022.102009
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0969-5931

Abstract

Abstract: Extant research on expatriation in high-stress environments where stress is caused by ongoing and unexpected natural crises remains limited. Drawing on stress theory, in this study, we develop a model to examine the stress-inducing effects of intra-family concerns and workplace discrimination on the intentions to leave the host country among expatriates in the high-stress environment of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. We also explore whether gender and the level of work adjustment moderate the propensity of intra-family health concerns and workplace discrimination to induce psychological stress. Based on our analysis of 381 expatriates living and working in the United Arab Emirates, we find the model to be generally supported. We also reveal an intriguing moderating effect of work adjustment on the relationship between intra-family health concerns and psychological stress. Overall, the analysis is among the first ones to shed light on the role of natural crises' stressors in defining expatriate outcomes. Highlights: The study examines the psychological mechanisms behind expatriates' host country withdrawal intentions during COVID-19. It analyzes 381 expatriates living and working in the United Arab Emirates. Expatriates' family health concerns and workplace discrimination result in stress and increase withdrawal intentions. The stress-inducing effect of intra-family health concerns are stronger among expatriates with higher work adjustment. Gender has no moderation effect on the relationships between intra-family concerns / discrimination and psychological stress.