Expectancies and motivational goals of self-initiated expatriates as predictors of subjective assignment achievements and success

Abstract

Purpose Under the framework of the achievement goal and expectancy-value theories, this study aims to examine which motivational goals lead people to self-initiate an international assignment and predict subjective assignment achievements. Design/methodology/approach Data was collected from a convenience sample of 141 self-initiated expatriates (SIEs) from multiple locations. The first set of analyses tested the hypothesis that demographics and expectancies of competence in living and working abroad discriminate the individuals who initiate an international assignment for learning goals from the ones who value performance goals. The second set of analyses tested the hypothesis that individual expectancies and goals predict specific subjective assignment achievements and overall success. Findings The results show that SIEs who had greater confidence in their ability to live and work abroad were also more likely to move to pursuit performance goals. They also reported greater host adjustment and superior professional accomplishments, but not higher family achievements or success. Originality/value In contrast to the dominant descriptive approach to the study of SIEs, this study underpins the adequacy and potential of a motivational approach in predicting SIEs’ behaviors and outcomes. The theoretical and managerial implications for international business and cross-cultural management are further discussed.

The influence of personality on individuals' expatriation willingness in the context of safe and dangerous environments

“…Aryee et al , 1996; Mol et al , 2009; Tharenou, 2003) as well as to the literature on expatriation to dangerous environments (e.g. Bader et al , 2019a, b; Pinto et al , 2020; Suder et al , 2019), yet much more research is still needed. While previous studies have mainly focused on the influence of risk on work outcomes such as performance or attitudes toward host country nationals (e.g.…”

“…Accordingly, the topic of expatriation to dangerous environments has recently attracted increasing attention within the global mobility literature (e.g. Bader et al , 2019a, b; Dickmann and Watson, 2017; Pinto et al , 2020; Suder et al , 2019). Previous studies argue that expatriation to dangerous environments is especially challenging because of the associated exposure to dangers induces stress, strain and fear (Bader and Berg, 2013; Bader et al , 2019a, b; Faeth and Kittler, 2017; Paulus and Muehlfeld, 2017).…”

Self-initiated expatriate adjustment: South Korean workers in Vietnam

“…Jannesari et al (2017) and Hu et al (2019) confirmed proactive personality as a reliable indicator of expatriates' successful cross-cultural adjustment. Pinto et al (2020) found that greater confidence in their capacity to live and work abroad was closely related to SIEs' adjustment. Finally, Jannesari and Sullivan (2019) examined career adaptability, namely an individual’s ability to cope with career changes, as an essential factor in SIEs' adjustment.…”

How do Individuals Form Their Motivations to Expatriate? A Review and Future Research Agenda

“…This group's expatriation expectations are linked with their career expectations because they expect to find more flexible work arrangements abroad (Reichenberger, 2018;Cook, 2020). Finally, in another recent article Pinto et al (2020) show that SIEs (different professions) expected to pursuit performance goals, but this was more likely the case for SIEs who had greater confidence in their ability to live and work abroad.…”

“…This group’s expatriation expectations are linked with their career expectations because they expect to find more flexible work arrangements abroad ( Reichenberger, 2018 ; Cook, 2020 ). Finally, in another recent article Pinto et al (2020) show that SIEs (different professions) expected to pursuit performance goals, but this was more likely the case for SIEs who had greater confidence in their ability to live and work abroad. The above-discussed articles clearly demonstrate that individuals expect their needs to be fulfilled if they move abroad, but none of these articles demonstrate whether individuals have an active role in triggering their own expectations.…”