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The view from the field: A case study of the expatriate boundary-spanning role

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  • Johnson, Karen L.
  • Duxbury, Linda

Abstract

Research suggests growing interest in the boundary-spanning role played by expatriates in supporting organizational learning and adaptation in uncertain environments. However, efforts to examine this role have relied on conceptual frameworks that have not been empirically grounded. This exploratory case study of 79 expatriates in the field applies a qualitative methodology to elaborate and extend current conceptualizations of the boundary role to the work of the expatriate. Findings suggest that interpersonal relationships may be the cornerstones of the role and the enablers of other cross-boundary resource exchanges.

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  • Johnson, Karen L. & Duxbury, Linda, 2010. "The view from the field: A case study of the expatriate boundary-spanning role," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 45(1), pages 29-40, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:worbus:v:45:y:2010:i:1:p:29-40
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    10. Bredenkötter Bastian, 2019. "Grenzstellenarbeit in transnationalen Arbeitsumgebungen: Expatriate-Manager als ‚Boundary-Spanner‘ in translokalen und transkulturellen ‚Workscapes‘," Arbeit, De Gruyter, vol. 28(3), pages 215-240, September.
    11. Collien, Isabel, 2019. "Functions of boundary spanning in context: A postcolonial, power-sensitive perspective," Working Papers 2, Helmut Schmidt University, Research Cluster OPAL.
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    13. Ilya R. P. Cuypers & Gokhan Ertug & John Cantwell & Akbar Zaheer & Martin Kilduff, 2020. "Making connections: Social networks in international business," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 51(5), pages 714-736, July.
    14. Urzelai, Berrbizne & Puig, Francisco, 2019. "Developing international social capital: The role of communities of practice and clustering," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 28(2), pages 209-221.
    15. Ilya R. P. Cuypers & Gokhan Ertug & John Cantwell & Akbar Zaheer & Martin Kilduff, 0. "Making connections: Social networks in international business," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 0, pages 1-23.
    16. Deniz Köksal & Jochen Strähle & Martin Müller, 2018. "Social Sustainability in Apparel Supply Chains—The Role of the Sourcing Intermediary in a Developing Country," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(4), pages 1-35, March.
    17. Jia, Fu & Lamming, Richard & Sartor, Marco & Orzes, Guido & Nassimbeni, Guido, 2014. "International purchasing offices in China: A dynamic evolution model," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 23(3), pages 580-593.

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