MEASURING EXPATRIATE DEVELOPMENTAL OUT-COMES: INTEGRATING CAREER ADAPTABILITY AND CROSS-CULTURAL ADJUSTMENT METRICS

Abstract

Aim/Purpose – This study develops and validates an integrated framework that measures expatriate developmental outcomes by linking Cross-Cultural Adjustment (CCA) and Career Adaptability (CA) metrics, addressing the lack of unified assessment tools for expatriate adaptation and career growth.

Design/methodology/approach – Using a two-cycle action research design at Hebei Building Materials Industry Design and Research Institute’s South African subsidiary, data were collected from 30 Chinese expatriates through surveys, focus groups, and reflection journals to evaluate the impact of onboarding and career development interventions.

Findings – CCA improved across general (80%), interactional (73%), and work (83%) domains, while CA dimensions—concern (70%), control (60%), curiosity (76%), and confidence (80%)—also increased, demonstrating the interdependence of adjustment and adaptability through social learning.

Research implications/limitations – The study highlights a practical model for integrating adaptation and career metrics but is limited by its single-case context and short-term evaluation period.

Originality/value/contribution – It introduces a glocalized measurement system that unites CCA and CA within one framework, offering actionable insights for enhancing expatriate retention and developmental sustainability in emerging-market environments.