MAJOR FACTORS AFFECTING THE EXPATRIATE SUCCESS: THE CASE OF MALAYSIAN EXPATRIATES

Osman A Yussuf
Wiley College

ABSTRACT

The consequence of expatriate failure leads to losses, damages of corporate reputation,
loss of business opportunities, and in some cases expatriates find themselves in trouble. Studies
have shown that between 16-40 percent of American managers sent on overseas assignments
return because of poor performance or of inability to adjust to foreign environments. This study
investigates the effect of the expatriate selection process (technical competency, interpersonal
skills, and cross cultural ability), expatriate preparation (cross cultural training and orientation
training), and expatriate adjustment (work in a new environment and culture, and interaction with
locals in host countries) on expatriate success (completion of foreign assignments, cross-cultural
adjustment, and actual performance on the foreign assignment). Utilizing a sample of Malaysian
expatriates, the results of this study revealed that the Malaysian expatriate selection process,
preparation, and ability to adjust in host countries have significantly led to their success in their
foreign assignments.

Keywords: Expatriate selection process, preparation, adjustment, international assignment, expatriate
success