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The Value of Providing Holistic Support for Expatriates: Evidence From the Oil and Gas Industry
Author(s) -
Innes Jane E. M.,
Stevenson Anne P.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
global business and organizational excellence
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.227
H-Index - 16
eISSN - 1932-2062
pISSN - 1932-2054
DOI - 10.1002/joe.21695
Subject(s) - expatriate , loyalty , context (archaeology) , perspective (graphical) , petroleum industry , value (mathematics) , business , marketing , public relations , sample (material) , stakeholder , political science , engineering , paleontology , chemistry , chromatography , artificial intelligence , environmental engineering , machine learning , computer science , law , biology
Expatriates, their families, and employers are all stakeholders in international assignments. Yet, their respective needs are seldom addressed from a trilateral perspective. Focusing on long‐term international assignments (LTIA) in the oil and gas industry, interviews were held with a sample of unconnected expatriates, accompanying partners, and representatives of the employing organizations. They addressed four elements: LTIA context, various types of expat support, LTIA outcomes, and stakeholder interdependence. The findings led to the development of a framework for a holistic approach to expatriate and family support that can enhance outcomes for all those affected by an international posting. Ultimately, the framework points to HR policies and practices that can add value to international assignments, smooth reintegration upon expats’ return home, and engender employee loyalty, engagement, and retention. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.