An exploratory study into organizational repatriates’ emotional support network
Van Gorp, Lore Boroş, Smaranda Bracke, Piet Stevens, Peter AJ
Van Gorp, Lore
Boroş, Smaranda
Bracke, Piet
Stevens, Peter AJ
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Publication Type
Journal article with impact factor
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Supervisor
Publication Year
2017-10-12
Journal
Cross Cultural & Strategic Management
Book
Publication Volume
24
Publication Issue
4
Publication Begin page
645
Publication End page
668
Publication Number of pages
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Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine how repatriates’ emotional support network affects their experience of re-entry. Design/methodology/approach This inductive, qualitative study is based on 27 semi-structured, in-depth interviews with Belgian organizational repatriates. Findings The analyses suggest that expatriation empathy is a key attribute of organizational repatriates’ main emotional support providers. In addition, the results show that although partners are a main source of emotional support on re-entry, they are also important potential causes of distress. Lastly, the results suggest that the cultural diversity of a repatriate’s emotional support network is linked with characteristics of the assignment and that it affects the experience of repatriation. Research limitations/implications The results provide empirical evidence that the expatriation empathy of repatriates’ support providers is a more informative characteristic to consider compared with whether they have personal experience of expatriation. In addition, the results suggest that research should also take into account the negative side of social support, and, for example, consider the influence of crossover distress of partners who experience relocation difficulties themselves. Practical implications This study points to the possible benefits of organizing social activities or training for repatriates and their partner and any children, as well as the advantages of encouraging expatriates to invite home-country friends to visit. Originality/value Although most scholars agree on the importance of support for expatriates’ well-being, the sources of relevant emotional support have received little research attention so far, as has how this influences the repatriation experience.
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Keywords
3504 Commercial Services, 35 Commerce, Management, Tourism and Services, Mental Health, Clinical Research, Behavioral and Social Science