Open AccessOPTIMISTIC PERSONALITY AS A DETERMINE FACTOR IN SOCIO-CULTURAL ADAPTATION OF EXPATRIATE ACADEMIC IN MALAYSIAN PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES
Author(s) -
Irma Wani Othman
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
advanced international journal of business, entrepreneurship and smes
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2682-8545
DOI - 10.35631/aijbes.12001
Subject(s) - expatriate , mindset , psychology , personality psychology , social psychology , personality , public relations , subconscious , flexibility (engineering) , big five personality traits , adaptability , adaptation (eye) , sociology , political science , management , medicine , philosophy , alternative medicine , epistemology , pathology , neuroscience , law , economics
Personality is relatively defined as either conscious or subconscious appearance in the mind that is reflected by the actions of an individual. This qualitative research is based on a qualitative approach that conducts an in-depth interview method for 30 staff from four Malaysian public universities which are internationally recognized. The focus of this paper is to examine expatriates’ adaptability to the needs of the host country by specifically referring to optimistic personalities and proactive attitudes as determinants of the success of an international assignment. The personality traits discussed include respecting cultural differences, being friendly to the local community, always being humble and open minded, showing flexibility in social relationships, showing interest and increasing the desire to learn something new, have the passion and excitement to explore and travel, positive about the diversity of local customs and mindset of the local people, and is tolerant in every aspect that benefits everyone. Based on the findings of the researchers, the identification of personality in influencing the process of socio-cultural adaptation goes beyond the influence of the experience, knowledge, skills and capabilities of an expatriate.