Leung, M Y; Liang, Q and Chan, I Y S (2017) Development of a stressors-stress-performance-outcome model for expatriate construction professionals. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 143(5): 04016121, ISSN 0733-9364
Abstract
Given the globalization of the construction industry, there are increasing numbers of expatriate construction professionals (ExCPs). The work practices and living environment are different between home and host countries, which often induce stress in ExCPs, cause underperformance, and reduce intention to stay for expatriates. This study aims to investigate the interactions among stressors, stress, performance, and intention to stay for ExCPs through the development of a stressors-stress-performance-outcome model. A questionnaire survey with purposive sampling was conducted. The research results show (1) work-home conflict, organizational centralization, and heavy workload affect ExCPs' overall performance and intention to stay indirectly through the vicious cycle between emotional and physical stress; (2) poor transportation exacerbates ExCPs' physical stress, while language fluency relieves it; (3) physical stress impairs overall performance, further reducing intention to stay; and (4) poor transportation directly reduces ExCPs' intention to stay. Recommendations, including flexible work schedules and stress management programs, are made. The study results enhance the current understanding of the complicated stress and expatriate management for ExCPs in a cross-cultural context.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | construction professionals; expatriate; labor and personnel issues; performance; stress; stressors |
| Index terms: | construction professional, purposive sampling, interaction, construction industry, personnel, stressors, survey, workload, program, work practice, globalization, questionnaire |
| Subjects: | software systems, research methods, management, professional development, health conditions and diseases, behavioral psychology, economic factors, industry analysis, data collection methods |
| Topics: | Research Practice, Information Management, Health and Safety, Organizational Design, Human Resources, International Construction, Digital Applications |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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