Expatriates adjustment through transformation of social identity of Chinese expatriates working in Pakistan

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the process of Chinese expatriates’ adjustment in Pakistan through integrating the U-curve model and social identity theory. It has also highlighted the importance of engaging in strong social ties and their contribution in expatriates’ adjustment. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected through semi-structured interviews from 30 Chinese expatriates working as directors, deputy directors, senior managers, managers and assistant managers in Chinese organizations in Pakistan. After verbatim transcription of all the interviews, data were analyzed using the NVivo software. Findings The findings of this paper indicate that expatriates’ identities somewhat changed in terms of their behaviors and work habits, while fewer changes were observed in their belief and value system. These changes were related to expatriates’ perceptions of host country groups, attraction to these groups and similarity in beliefs, which resulted in the development of interdependent beliefs and depersonalization. However, a few Chinese expatriates predominantly interacted among themselves at work, and their reduced socialization with Pakistanis lessened their chances of change. Research limitations/implications The results of the study suggest that expatriates’ adjustment is a multi-stage process and social identity change is one of the powerful mechanisms through which they adjust in the host country’s environment; hence host organizations should facilitate expatriates in strengthening their bond with local people. Originality/value This paper has proposed a model that explains the mechanism of Chinese expatriates’ adjustment in Pakistan through improved interactions between expatriates’ and host country nationals, resulting in minor social identity changes, leading to further positive relationship building, and then major social identity changes.

Determining the Challenges Encountered by Chinese Expatriates in Pakistan

“…Past studies have also confirmed that Chinese expatriates face different challenges related to their work in Pakistan. In addition, the main concern shown by the respondents is the delaying of tasks and working habits of Pakistani people, resulting in obstacles in their adjustment [46].…”

“…The study also highlights challenges regarding Chinese expatriate's non-works factors that affect their adjustment in Pakistan (see Table 3). The major challenges are the "language barrier" and "cultural differences" in Pakistan [46].…”

“…While several past studies have highlighted the different approaches used for both work and non-work spheres of expatriates [45,46]. Parhizgar [45] states that social networks of expatriates in abroad are particularly essential in both work and non-work domains, as these networks will assist the expats in learning about the country's rules, regulations, and culture in a more realistic way, and guides them with essential knowledge about the host culture standards, customs, and how to resolve any hurdles and difficulties which may impede their progress.…”

“…In order to maintain factual findings, the interviews have been transcribed precisely. In addition, the participants also endorsed an agreement to participate in the interview process in the research [46].…”

When too much adjustment is bad: A curvilinear relationship between expatriates’ adjustment and social changes in HCNs

“…Transformation in social identities of individuals as a result of working in diverse social settings has been explored in a large body of literature (Hogg et al, 2017;Nadeem & Mumtaz, 2018;Peltokorpi & Zhang, 2020). The above literature has integrated social identity theory for suggesting a critical role of membership of new social groups for individuals (Jetten et al, 2002).…”