The Role of Goal Orientation During Expatriation: A Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Investigation

Journal of Applied Psychology, Vol. 92, No. 5, pp. 1437-1445, 2007

9 Pages Posted: 31 Mar 2009

See all articles by Mo Wang

Mo Wang

Portland State University - College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Riki Takeuchi

Hong Kong University of Science & Technology (HKUST) - Department of Management & Organization

Date Written: November 20, 2006

Abstract

Using cross-sectional and longitudinal data from expatriates in China, the authors investigated the roles of general, work, and interaction adjustment, as well as work stress, as mediators between the antecedents (learning, proving, and avoiding goal orientations, and perceived organizational support) and expatriate outcome (job performance and premature return intention) relationships. Results indicated that goal orientations toward overseas assignments had differential relationships with expatriate job performance and premature return intention. In addition, it was found that these relationships were partially mediated by expatriate adjustment facets. Implications for expatriate adjustment research and practice are discussed.

Keywords: goal orientation, expatriate adjustment, expatriate performance, premature return intention

Suggested Citation

Wang, Mo and Takeuchi, Riki, The Role of Goal Orientation During Expatriation: A Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Investigation (November 20, 2006). Journal of Applied Psychology, Vol. 92, No. 5, pp. 1437-1445, 2007, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1370733

Mo Wang (Contact Author)

Portland State University - College of Liberal Arts and Sciences ( email )

Portland, OR 97207-0751
United States

Riki Takeuchi

Hong Kong University of Science & Technology (HKUST) - Department of Management & Organization ( email )

Management Department
School of Business & Management, HKUST
Clear Water Bay, Kowloon
Hong Kong
852-2358-7741 (Phone)

HOME PAGE: http://www.bm.ust.hk/mgmt/staff/mnrikit.html