Exploring expatriate outcomes

Abstract

This editorial article introduces this special issue of the International Journal of Human Resource Management devoted to the outcomes of expatriate assignments. We set the topic in context. We start by summarizing the traditional view on expatriate outcomes. We then argue that recent developments in the field suggest the need to build a more sophisticated and complex analysis on the topic that incorporates different perspectives (e.g. the organization, the expatriate, their co-workers and their families) and additional types of international experiences and organizations. We then present some difficulties in developing such an analysis. Specifically, using a new typology of complementary relationships among outcomes (i.e. temporal, among-group and among-outcome consistencies), we point out some complications to achieve those relationships. We conclude by introducing the papers in the special edition that all in some way aim to contribute to our understanding of expatriate outcomes.

Keywords::

• alignment and consistency in HRM outcomes
• expatriate outcomes
• expatriation
• international assignments

Acknowledgements

The papers in this special issue of IJHRM were first discussed in the fifth Expatriate Workshop held under the auspices of EIASM. The workshop took place at ESSEC Business School in Paris. The authors are grateful to EIASM, ESSEC Business School and the participants in the workshop whose discussions, both in the workshop and beyond, have helped us and many of the authors represented here.