Abdalla, A; Li, X and Yang, F (2025) Stressors and job burnout of Chinese expatriate construction professionals. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 32(2), pp. 705-731. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose: Besides ensuring traditional project objectives, expatriate construction professionals (EXCPs) working on international projects face challenges adapting to unfamiliar environments with varying construction standards, work practices and cultural values. This puts them at a high risk of job burnout. Thus, this study aims to investigate the antecedents and outcomes of EXCPs' job burnout in the international construction industry. Design/methodology/approach: Based on the Job demands-resource model (JD-R), a theoretical framework was developed. Industry-specific stressors and expatriate management practices were identified using a literature review and interviews. The authors then used a questionnaire survey to collect data from Chinese EXCPs. Exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling were then utilized to test hypotheses. Findings: The findings indicate that early-career EXCPs experience the most severe levels of job burnout. The paths analysis proved the direct and indirect mitigating effects of expatriate management practices on job burnout, and EXCP's job burnout was associated with poor job performance and decreased intention to stay in the international assignment. Originality/value: While prior research has explored job burnout among construction professionals working on domestic projects, little attention has been given to EXCPs and their unique challenges. This study aims to fill this critical gap in the literature by offering a unique perspective on the antecedents and outcomes of job burnout among EXCPs in international contexts and presents a significant contribution to understanding and addressing occupational health issues faced by EXCPs.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | expatriate construction professional; expatriate management practices; international construction project; job burnout; stressor; questionnaire survey |
| Index terms: | questionnaire, work practice, career, management practice, methodology, international construction project, international project, exploratory factor analysis, stressors, burnout, interview, occupational health, confirmatory factor analysis, survey, structural equation modelling, literature review, face, construction professional, job demand, construction standard, international construction industry |
| Subjects: | psychology, standards, strategic management, research methods, data analysis and analytics, data collection methods, health conditions and diseases, occupational health and safety management, statistical analysis, management, professional development |
| Topics: | Business Strategy, Research Practice, Information Management, Human Resources, International Construction, Organizational Design, Health and Safety, Legal Issues |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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