AIB 2012 Conference Proceedings - Academy of International ...

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(on all three dimensions) tends to get smaller for females than for males as the level of the ability increases.
Overall, the paper contributes to the literature by providing evidence that EI has an important explanatory
power for expatriates' CCA. (For more information, please contact: Alexei Koveshnikov, Hanken School of
Economics, Finland: alexei.koveshnikov@hanken.fi)
The U-Curve Hypothesis: A New Examination of the Adjustment process of Cross-Cultural Adjustment through a
Taxonomy of Expatriates
Heidi Wechtler, Sorbonne Business School
Olivier Wurtz, Ecole Hotelière de Lausanne
This study examines the trajectory of expatriates adjustment. We focus on six personal factors (sex, age,
initiation of expatriation, prior experience abroad, position level, and presence of family members on
assignment) that affect international adjustment in order to build a taxonomy of expatriates. On the basis of a
sample of 584 observations, we show that the adjustment of these different types of expatriates follows
different curves. In some specific cases (the youngest expatriates) a U-shape of interactional adjustment is
observed. (For more information, please contact: Heidi Wechtler, Sorbonne Business School, France:
heidi_wechtler@yahoo.fr)
Broadening our Understanding of Self-initiated Expatriates: A cross-discipline look at international volunteers'
motivations
Anthony Fee, University of Sydney
Eliane Karsaklian, Université de la Sorbonne Nouvelle
Self-initiated expatriation takes many forms and is likely instigated by an equally diverse breadth of motivational
roots. In this paper, we argue that understanding the complex motivations to expatriate may benefit from a
cross-disciplinary approach. To demonstrate this, we draw on literature into consumer behaviour, specifically
ethical consumption, as a way to expand the understanding of the factors underpinning the motives of one
group of self-initiating expatriates; international volunteers. By doing so, we develop a framework suggests that
international volunteers may be more motivated by social factors than current research suggests. (For more
information, please contact: Anthony Fee, University of Sydney, Australia: anthony.fee@sydney.edu.au)
Willingness to Work in an International Context
Anci Borozan, Eastern Illinois University
David Boggs, Eastern Illinois University
The objective of this study is to 1) develop the concept of international context, and 2) explain and predict
willingness to work in an international context. Global firms require employees interested in, and capable of,
working cross-nationally; even domestic employees are expected to possess basic international skills in order to
function effectively. This paper reviews research on receptivity to working internationally, proposes a model,
and reports the results of a survey of 392 undergraduate and graduate students at an AACSB-accredited
Midwestern university. The survey was administered to examine factors that influence willingness to work in an
international context. Empirical results show that perceptions, preparedness and socio-biographical background
variables affect willingness to work in an international context. The findings have relevance for companies that
select employees for their global operations. (For more information, please contact: David Boggs, Eastern
Illinois University, USA: djboggs@eiu.edu)
Foreign CEO Appointments in the Multinational Enterprise: Rational Motives and Homophilic Constraints
Yannick Thams, Florida International University
Aya Chacar, Florida International University
AIB 2012 Conference Proceedings
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