How relationship quality, autonomous work motivation and socialization experience influence the adjustment of self-initiated expatriates in China
Cross Cultural & Strategic Management
ISSN: 2059-5794
Article publication date: 30 March 2021
Issue publication date: 29 April 2021
Abstract
Purpose
The continued expansion of organizations outside China's planned economy due to the Belt-and-Road Initiative (BRI) is expected to increase recruitment of self-initiated expatriates (SIEs). Drawing on social capital, motivation and socialization theories, this study examines the experiences of SIEs in China, which is considered one of the most difficult locations for foreigners to work. While previous research has focused on the impact of individual characteristics on adjustment, this study explores the interplay among relationship quality (trust and shared vision), autonomous work motivation, socialization experience and adjustment.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the developed theoretical framework, hypotheses are proposed and tested using data collected by surveying 274 SIEs in China.
Findings
Relationship quality with host country nationals (HCNs) was positively associated with adjustment, and autonomous work motivation fully mediated this relationship. Socialization experience moderated the association between relationship quality and autonomous work motivation. Specifically, SIEs' socialization experience strengthened the associations of trust and shared vision with autonomous work motivation. However, socialization experiences failed to moderate the mediated effects of trust and shared vision on adjustment via autonomous work motivation.
Originality/value
This study answers repeated calls for more research on SIEs' adjustment and SIEs working in non-Western countries, especially China. The findings underscore the importance of studying SIE-HCN work relationships and the theoretical value of autonomous work motivation as an underlying mechanism by which the quality of an SIE's relationship with an HCN colleague influences adjustment.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This paper forms part of a special section “The Belt-and-Road Initiative in the New Era of Globalization: Unique Opportunities and Challenges to MNEs”, guest edited by Peter Ping Li, Peter J. Williamson, Abby Jingzi Zhou and Rosalie L. Tung.
The authors thank S. Gayle Baugh for her insightful comments on an earlier draft of this paper. The authors also appreciate Dr Peter P. Li and Dr Abby Zhou for the time and effort they have graciously provided to help the authors improve the paper.
Citation
Jannesari, M.T. and Sullivan, S.E. (2021), "How relationship quality, autonomous work motivation and socialization experience influence the adjustment of self-initiated expatriates in China", Cross Cultural & Strategic Management, Vol. 28 No. 2, pp. 309-331. https://doi.org/10.1108/CCSM-02-2020-0056
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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