A narrow and partial theoretical base has limited current concepts of expatriate adjustment and the research based upon them. This conceptual article explores one of the less theorized aspects of expatriate adjustment: the fact that it has multiple dimensions. We conceive of adjustment as a person‐environment relationship that takes place in the three dimensions of cognitions, feelings, and behaviors. Combining these elements takes us one step closer to a comprehensive and more realistic understanding of the nature of expatriate adjustment. We include suggestions for future research that follow from our reconceptualization.

This paper argues that the notion of adjustment to careers involving international assignments needs to be developed further than the current literature refl ects. An expatriate assignment is an expatriate's opportunity to build career capital and a company's opportunity to generate social and intellectual capital. The extent of the capital gains will depend considerably on the expatriate's adjustment during and after the assignment, which is infl uenced by the psychological contract. We argue that our understanding of the career impact of expatriation will be enhanced by a more refi ned picture of the adjustment that expatriates experience during the assignment and during repatriation. In particular, we examine adjustment as process rather than as event. We propose a broad conception of expatriate adjustment and its link to careers.

Purpose -This paper seeks to review and explore the relatively neglected notion of the adjustment of expatriate families to living abroad with the aim of developing a new model that can be used for future research. Design/methodology/approach -The paper draws on the few studies of the topic that have been carried out, but widens the search to include evidence from the related adjustment and family stress literature to create a new model of the process. Using the ideas of stressors, strains and hassles, capabilities, and shared meanings, the paper examines the situation of the expatriate family and explores how families can adjust to life in another country. Findings -By adopting a salutogenic approach and incorporating insights from these other literatures, the paper shows that family adaptation is a complex and many-faceted process. It is a process that greater awareness on the part of the family and the organization can improve. Research limitations/implications -With the help of the model of family adjustment the paper points to systematic gaps in studies on expatriate families and outlines a consequent research agenda. Practical implications -Awareness is a crucial element in adjustment. The paper shows that awareness by the family can alleviate problems, and that organizations employing members of the family can assist in the adjustment process for the family. Originality/value -The contribution of the paper comes in its attempt to encompass what is known about expatriate family adaptation directly with a wider view of family adjustment. This provides both a practical framework for future research and some practical implications.

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This conceptual article explores the role of temporal dynamics in the study of expatriate adjustment. We introduce the dimensions and the domains of adjustment and discuss the dynamics between them, as well as the dynamics between antecedents, state and consequences of adjustment. Issues such as the role of time lags, duration and rate of change as well as reciprocal causation are discussed. We address the consequences of these issues for theory building in the area of expatriate adjustment and the implications for methodological choices. We conclude with specific recommendations for the future research of expatriate adjustment that recognise the nature of adjustment as a process evolving over time and that we hope will enhance the rigour and relevance of this area of research.