Konanahalli, A; Oyedele, L; von Meding, J K; Spillane, J and Coates, R (2012) International projects and cross-cultural adjustments of British expatriates in middle East: A qualitative investigation of influencing factors. Construction Economics and Building, 12(3), pp. 31-54. ISSN 2204-9029
Abstract
Increased globalisation within the British AEC (Architectural, Engineering and Construction) sector has increased the need for companies to transfer staff to manage their overseas operations. To be able to perform abroad, expatriates must harmonise themselves to the conditions prevailing in the host country. These include getting accustomed to living, working and interacting with the host country nationals. The process is commonly referred to as 'cross-cultural adjustment'. Various factors influence the process of adjustment. In order to identify these issues, a qualitative study was undertaken, which mainly comprised of comprehensive literature review, individual interviews and focus group discussion with British expatriates working on international AEC assignments in Middle Eastern countries. Through interpretative approach, the current study aims to understand the concept of cross-cultural adjustment of British Expatriates based in Middle East and their influencing factors. The findings suggest that success of expatriation does not entirely rest on an expatriate's ability but also on organisational support and assistance that expatriates receive prior to and during the assignment. Organisational factors such as selection mechanisms, job design, training, logistical and social support, mentoring, etc., influence various facets of expatriate adjustment. Striking cultural contrasts between British and Arab culture both in work and non work situations also dictate the level of support required by the expatriate, suggesting that relocation to less developed, remote or politically unstable regions, demands additional support and consideration by the parent company. This study is relevant to the AEC companies employing British expatriates, who need to be cognisant of the issues highlighted above to make rational and informed decisions when handling international assignments in the Middle East.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | cross-cultural adjustment; international project management; middle East and North Africa; organisational strategies; overseas AEC assignments; work related factors |
| Index terms: | literature review, strategy, North Africa, interview, organizational factor, mentoring, investigation, job design, Middle East, globalization, qualitative study, influencing factor, British expatriate, cross-cultural adjustment, international project, international assignments, focus group, relocation |
| Subjects: | market analysis, business, cross-cultural studies, management, strategic management, economic factors, training, sociology, physical geography and landforms, risk assessment, data analysis and analytics, research design and methodology, data collection methods |
| Topics: | Risk Management, Research Practice, Organizational Design, International Construction, Human Resources, Business Strategy, Geographical Context |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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