Enhancing international assignees’ performance with online social networks

Abstract

Purpose

Adjustment to the new locale is one of the primary factors that influence performance on an international assignment. The purpose of this paper is to propose a model that depicts how online social networks may contribute to international assignees’ adjustment via their influence on well-being and knowledge transfer.

Design/methodology/approach

The present research uses network theory and readily available technology to develop a model of how online supportive social networks and informational social networks may increase the international assignee’s well-being and knowledge transfer (with prior/next assignees and with the organization). These increases will subsequently have a positive impact on the assignee’s adjustment and ultimately his/her job performance.

Findings

Since this paper is conceptual rather than empirical, there are no findings; however, it is argued that online social networks may have a positive impact on an expatriate’s well-being, knowledge transfer, adjustment, and job performance.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is a conceptual piece, so data will need to be collected to test the model developed here. Furthermore, other factors may influence international assignee adjustment, such as spouse and/or family adjustment.

Practical implications

Suggestions are provided regarding how organizations can utilize in-house or external online social networks to assist international assignees.

Originality/value

Despite the ubiquity of online social networks, there is a paucity of research examining the potential impact of online social networks on international assignees.

Citation

Crowne, K.A., Goeke, R.J. and Shoemaker, M. (2015), "Enhancing international assignees’ performance with online social networks", Journal of Global Mobility, Vol. 3 No. 4, pp. 397-417. https://doi.org/10.1108/JGM-09-2014-0045