The Determinants of Managerial Satisfaction with the Expatriation and Repatriation Process

A survey of returned expatriate managers in an American multinational found that their assignments to subsidiary companies overseas had been an enjoyable experience for most of them. But only 35 per cent of the sample felt satisfied with the repatriation process into the US. Reasons included difficulty in readjusting to US life and culture, to the head office organisation and their own changed status, and to the career development ladder, where they felt their career opportunities were limited. It is suggested that measures to prevent these problems occurring could include a guarantee of a satisfactory job on return, an arrangement to maintain the expatriate's home, regular visits to the US, and planned support and training before and after the assignment from experienced senior personnel.