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Taking Stock and Construct Cleanup: A Conceptual Framework to Understand Host Country Nationals’ Supportive Behaviors Toward Expatriates

Author

Listed:
  • Haiying Kang

    (RMIT University, School of Management, College of Business and Law)

  • Ying Wang

    (La Trobe University, La Trobe Business School)

  • Chia-Huei Wu

    (King’s College, Department of Human Resource Management and Employment Relations, King’s Business School
    China Medical University, Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital)

  • Quan Jin

    (Shanghai University of International Business and Economics, School of Business)

Abstract

The existing literature on host country national (HCN) supportive behaviors is fragmented, with substantial confusion surrounding how these supportive behaviors are conceptualized and measured. In this study, we first offered an integrative review of the existing literature to illustrate this problem. We then proposed a conceptual framework, featured by three dimensions of informational, instrumental, and emotional support, to integrate the diverse range of HCN supportive behaviors by drawing on the social support literature. Furthermore, we empirically tested this framework, examining its factorial structure as well as its nomological network with a series of antecedents including HCN personality, HCN–expatriate relationships, and HCN motives. Using multi-wave data collected from 742 HCNs employed by multinational companies operating in China, we found that different dimensions of HCN supportive behaviors are distinct, and there are unique antecedents to predict the different dimensions. Our study establishes a theoretical foundation for integrating the various HCN supportive behaviors and offers much-enhanced clarity regarding their commonalities and differences. It also generates a validated psychological measure that comprehensively assesses HCN supportive behaviors which can be easily adopted by future researchers.

Suggested Citation

  • Haiying Kang & Ying Wang & Chia-Huei Wu & Quan Jin, 2025. "Taking Stock and Construct Cleanup: A Conceptual Framework to Understand Host Country Nationals’ Supportive Behaviors Toward Expatriates," Management International Review, Springer, vol. 65(6), pages 1065-1104, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:manint:v:65:y:2025:i:6:d:10.1007_s11575-025-00595-3
    DOI: 10.1007/s11575-025-00595-3
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Yamao, Sachiko & Yoshikawa, Toru & Choi, Daejeong & Toh, Soo Min, 2020. "When do host country nationals help expatriates? The roles of identification with the multinational enterprise and career development support by the subsidiary," Journal of International Management, Elsevier, vol. 26(3).
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