Developing cognitive complexity from the expatriate experience: Evidence from a longitudinal field study. (December 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fee, Anthony; Gray, Sidney J; Lu, Steven
• Is Part Of: International journal of cross cultural management. Volume 13:Number 3(2013)
• Page Start: 299
• Page End: 318
• Publication Date: 2013-12
• Subjects: Cognitive complexity -- expatriates -- global mindset -- international assignments -- learning; Corporate culture -- Periodicals; Cross-cultural studies -- Periodicals; International business enterprises -- Management -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; 658.049
• DOI: 10.1177/1470595813484310
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1470-5958

Abstract

This study examines whether an international work assignment can contribute toward expatriates developing greater cognitive complexity, the core building block of a global mindset and a capability critical to being an effective cross-cultural operative. Using a pre-test–post-test longitudinal panel design, cognitive changes in a sample of Australian and New Zealand expatriates working in 18 different countries were measured. The findings show that, as a group, the expatriates' levels of cognitive complexity increased significantly during the 12-month study period. The individuals who experienced the largest increase were those who interacted most frequently with host culture nationals.