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The Impact of Cultural Similarity and Social Network Characteristics on Re-Expatriation Intention Among Self-Initiated Academic Expatriates

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  • Gheath Mahmoud Abdel-Rahman

    (Othman Yeop Abdullah Graduate School of Business, Universiti Utara Malaysia, Malaysia.)

  • Subramaniam A/L Sri Ramalu

    (Othman Yeop Abdullah Graduate School of Business, Universiti Utara Malaysia, Malaysia.)

  • Chandrakantan A/L Subramaniam

    (College of Busienss, Universiti Utara Malaysia.)

Abstract

This conceptual paper sheds light on re-expatriation intention among self-initiated academic expatriates who have completed their international assignments, and returned their home country and then intended to re-expatriate to have another experience in the host country by their own initiatives. Cultural similarity and social network characteristics which involve size, closeness and frequency appeared to have a significant impact on the expatriates' decisions to move abroad for the first time. Therefore, these variables are predicted in the study to be associated with their intentions to re-expatriate. Push-pull theory is utilized in this paper to better understanding the impact of cultural similarity and social network characteristics on re-expatriation intention among academic SIEs. Thus, this study contributes to fill the gap in literature by addressing the influence of cultural similarity and social network characteristics on re-expatriation intention.

Suggested Citation

  • Gheath Mahmoud Abdel-Rahman & Subramaniam A/L Sri Ramalu & Chandrakantan A/L Subramaniam, 2017. "The Impact of Cultural Similarity and Social Network Characteristics on Re-Expatriation Intention Among Self-Initiated Academic Expatriates," International Journal of Business and Social Research, LAR Center Press, vol. 7(9), pages 1-9, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:lrc:larijb:v:7:y:2017:i:9:p:1-9
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Cultural Similarity; Expatriation; Re-Expatriation Intention; Self-Initiated Academic Expatriates; Social Network Characteristics.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C72 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Noncooperative Games
    • C73 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Stochastic and Dynamic Games; Evolutionary Games
    • D74 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Conflict; Conflict Resolution; Alliances; Revolutions

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