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Effect of outgroup social categorization by host-country nationals on expatriate premature return intention and buffering effect of mentoring

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  • Shen, Jie
  • Wajeeh-ul-Husnain, Syed
  • Kang, Haiying
  • Jin, Quan

Abstract

Outgroup social categorization by host-country nationals (HCNs) is a common challenge for expatriates and it has received inadequate scholarly attention in expatriate research. This study explores how outgroup social categorization affects expatriate intention to terminate international assignments prematurely and how this adversity can be lessened through organizational mentoring interventions. We theorize that outgroup social categorization by HCNs results in social isolation for expatriates, which triggers expatriates' early return intentions, and mentoring mitigates this indirect effect. The hypotheses were supported by the analyses of multisource data collected from expatriates and their local co-workers in multinational enterprises operating in China. Theoretical and practical implications of the research findings are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Shen, Jie & Wajeeh-ul-Husnain, Syed & Kang, Haiying & Jin, Quan, 2021. "Effect of outgroup social categorization by host-country nationals on expatriate premature return intention and buffering effect of mentoring," Journal of International Management, Elsevier, vol. 27(2).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:intman:v:27:y:2021:i:2:s1075425321000351
    DOI: 10.1016/j.intman.2021.100855
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Yasmin Nur Nahar & Ralf Bebenroth, 2022. "Emerging Market Expatriates in Japan during Covid-19 Pandemic," Discussion Paper Series DP2022-04, Research Institute for Economics & Business Administration, Kobe University.

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