Multifaceted effects of host country language proficiency in expatriate cross-cultural adjustments: a qualitative study in China
RIS ID
116153
Abstract
While expatriates often face language barriers in host countries, relatively little research has focused on the influence of host country language proficiency on cross-cultural adjustment. We drew on social identity theory and conducted an interview-based study with 70 expatriates and their host country national (HCN) colleagues to provide a contextual account of host country language proficiency's effects on work and non-work-related adjustment in China. Our findings suggest that expatriate host country language proficiency has multifaceted effects on expatriates' HCN interaction, social support, and network-related work and non-work adjustment.
Publication Details
Zhang, L. & Peltokorpi, V. (2016). Multifaceted effects of host country language proficiency in expatriate cross-cultural adjustments: a qualitative study in China. International Journal of Human Resource Management, 27 (13), 1448-1469.