Is expatriation good for my career? The impact of expatriate assignments on perceived and actual career outcomes

Abstract

This study examines the impact of expatriate assignments on career growth and the external marketability of US employees of a large professional services firm. We use survey and archival data to compare expatriates currently overseas, repatriates, and domestic US employees on compensation, recent promotions, and external recruiting contacts. We then examine how actual pay, promotions, and external recruiting influences anticipated salary growth within the firm and external employment opportunities. We find that despite little or no impact on their current careers, employees with overseas work experience perceived greater internal and external opportunities than domestic US employees. Implications for managers and researchers are discussed.

Keywords:

• careers
• expatriates
• human capital

Acknowledgements

This research was made possible by an anonymous company and the many leaders and employees within it who took part. We would like to thank Center for Effective Organizations and Susan Mohrman in particular for making this research possible. We are also grateful to Margaret Shaffer for her helpful feedback and recommendations concerning earlier drafts of this article. Alice Mark and Beth Neilson provided critical support for data collection and analysis.