Integrating social media platforms into expatriate training and development programs: an experiential learning perspective

Abstract

Purpose

Social media platforms, although often vilified in popular media, carry several potential benefits for expatriate training. This study set out to discuss in some depth whether social media platforms can be employed to enhance expatriate training outcomes, such as performance, adjustment and cultural integration.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on insights from experiential learning theory, this study develops propositions and a conceptual model relating to the incorporation of social media platforms into expatriate training.

Findings

Joining insights from the expatriate training literature with experiential learning theory, this study proposes several potential avenues for social media platforms as training tools. While social media use is not likely to be efficacious in itself, this study argues that social media platforms can be leveraged to enhance expatriate language training, acculturation and professional networking. These mediating relationships enhance social media’s effects on expatriate performance and adjustment.

Originality/value

This study paves the way for future empirical works regarding the implementation of novel tools in the pursuit of expatriate excellence. This paper develops a comprehensive model illustrating how social media platforms can positively impact expatriate training outcomes.

Citation

Bilderback, S. and Farrell, M. (2025), "Integrating social media platforms into expatriate training and development programs: an experiential learning perspective", Journal of Global Mobility, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/JGM-03-2024-0024