Host country national support to expatriates: a motivated information processing perspective

Abstract

PurposeThe support of host country nationals (HCNs) is a key determinant of expatriate adjustment and performance. The purpose of this paper is to explore underlying motivations for their support to expatriates. Previous research has shown that HCNs with pro-social motivation are more likely to help expatriates. Drawing upon motivated information processing in groups (MIP-G) theory, the authors test whether epistemic motivation moderates the observed relationship between pro-social motivation and HCNs’ support toward expatriates.Design/methodology/approachThe authors ran two correlational studies (N = 267) in the USA (Study 1) and South Korea (Study 2). Across two studies, epistemic motivation and social motivation were measured using their multiple proxies validated in previous research. The authors also measured HCNs’ willingness to offer role information and social support to a hypothetical expatriate worker.FindingsResults lend support to our hypotheses that pro-social HCNs are more willing than pro-self HCNs to provide role information and social support to the expatriates, but this occurs only when they have high rather than low epistemic motivation.Originality/valueThe current paper contributes the literature on HCNs helping expatriates by qualifying the prior results that a pro-social motivation (e.g. agreeableness and collectivism) increases the willingness of HCNs to help expatriates. As hypothesized, this study found that that case is only true when HCNs have high, rather than low, epistemic motivation. Also, previous research on MIP-G theory has mainly focused on the performance of small groups (e.g. negotiation, creativity and decision-making). To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research is the first attempt to test MIP-G theory in the context of HCNs helping expatriates.

Breaking out of the expatriate bubble in Denmark: insights from the challenge of making connections with local Danes

“…There are more than 100,000 voluntary associations in Denmark [15], and approximately 90% of Danes are members of such social groups [16]. Russell (2015) discusses how these associations fit with Danish values of equality, harmony and unity and that those participating in these communities, whether locals or foreigners, build pro-social motivational factors of trust and amiability, which can lead to supportive HCN–expatriate information exchange (Mahajan and De Silva, 2012; Sonesh and DeNisi, 2016; Varma et al ., 2016; Yoon et al ., 2022).…”

“…Considerable research has demonstrated that “breaking out of the expatriate bubble” and building local host country national (HCN) social connections, both in and outside the workplace, can be very helpful through information exchange in facilitating effective adjustment (Sonesh and DeNisi, 2016; Van Bakel et al. , 2017; Varma et al ., 2016; Yoon et al ., 2022). Selmer et al .…”

“…Much expatriate research has focused on their adjustment, which is seen as critical for various outcomes such as job satisfaction, turnover intention and job performance (Bhaskar-Shrinivas et al, 2005;Hechanova et al, 2003). Considerable research has demonstrated that "breaking out of the expatriate bubble" and building local host country national (HCN) social connections, both in and outside the workplace, can be very helpful through information exchange in facilitating effective adjustment (Sonesh and DeNisi, 2016;Van Bakel et al, 2017;Varma et al, 2016;Yoon et al, 2022). Selmer et al (2015) have shown that the country context is an important factor to consider for expatriate adjustment, and the annual InterNations surveys among expatriates highlight that they find creating social connections with host country nationals more difficult in some countries than others (e.g.…”

Epistemic motivation facilitates advice seeking and utilization by groups

“…As has been done in prior research, team epistemic motivation was assessed by proxy using a team reflexivity measure (e.g., De Dreu, 2007; Otte et al, 2017; Yoon et al, 2021). Team reflexivity refers to “a deliberate process of discussing team goals, processes, or outcomes” (Schippers et al, 2014; p. 733).…”