The present study proposes a significant role for host country nationals (HCNs) in the expatriate adjustment process. Based on self-categorizaton theory, newcomer socialization research, organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) research, and models of expatriate adjustment, I present a model proposing how social categorization processes influence HCNs' willingness to engage in adjustment-facilitating organizational citizenship behaviors (AOCBs). I further propose that these behaviors have a significant impact on expatriates' adjustment and in turn, other important job-related outcomes of the expatriate. Hypotheses were tested on 115 expatriates and 53 HCNs. Expatriates were contacted directly or via an organizational contact. HCNs were either contacted directly or nominated by their expatriate counterpart to participate in the study. Results reveal support for the main tenets of the model. The willingness to engage in AOCBs was related to outgroup categorization, collectivism, and perceptions of justice. Social support provided by HCNs was found to significantly relate to HCNs' perceptions of their expatriate co-worker's adjustment. Expatriates, however, indicated that spousal adjustment and language ability were more important for their own adjustment. Adjustment was related to other key expatriate outcomes. The research and managerial implications of these results are discussed.

The present study proposes a significant role for host country nationals (HCNs) in the expatriate adjustment process. Based on self-categorizaton theory, newcomer socialization research, organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) research, and models of expatriate adjustment, I present a model proposing how social categorization processes influence HCNs' willingness to engage in adjustment-facilitating organizational citizenship behaviors (AOCBs). I further propose that these behaviors have a significant impact on expatriates' adjustment and in turn, other important job-related outcomes of the expatriate. Hypotheses were tested on 115 expatriates and 53 HCNs. Expatriates were contacted directly or via an organizational contact. HCNs were either contacted directly or nominated by their expatriate counterpart to participate in the study. Results reveal support for the main tenets of the model. The willingness to engage in AOCBs was related to outgroup categorization, collectivism, and perceptions of justice. Social support provided by HCNs was found to significantly relate to HCNs' perceptions of their expatriate co-worker's adjustment. Expatriates, however, indicated that spousal adjustment and language ability were more important for their own adjustment. Adjustment was related to other key expatriate outcomes. The research and managerial implications of these results are discussed.

Background and Aim: Skills shortages in international organisations are commonly remedied with the use of expatriates. These expatriates are well paid for their expertise as well as for relocation “inconvenience”. However, it has become widely known internationally that expatriates receive far more attractive remuneration than their Host Country National (HCN) colleagues (local employees). The need for this study was formed on the basis of the HCN’s perception of this disparity and whether it could have a negative effect on his / her job attitudes. The main purpose of the research study described herein is to investigate the relationship between the expatriate-HCN pay differential in perspective of the HCN’s perceptions of pay unfairness, and the impact thereof on the organisation commitment and job satisfaction of HCN’s. More specifically this research aimed at determining whether there is (1) a HCN-Perceived Compensation Disparity (HPCD) between (HCNs) and expatriates, whether there is (2) a relationship between HPCD and the HCN’s Organisational Commitment (OC), and whether there is (3) a relationship between HPCD and the HCN’s Job Satisfaction (JS). Method: A cross-sectional survey design was used, with a purposive sample (N = 86) taken from organisations across several industrial sectors in South Africa. A single-item scale for HPCD, the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ) and Organisational Commitment Questionnaire (OCQ) were administered to professional and skilled Host Country Nationals (HCNs) of South Africa, working on a same or similar hierarchal level as expatriates. Descriptive statistics, data analysis and hypothesis testing were performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software, outputting frequency tables, mean, standard deviation, Cronbach’s alpha coefficients (testing for reliability) and Pearson correlation coefficients to investigate relationships. Results: Results showed existence of an HPCD (Host Country National Perceived Compensation Difference). No significant relationship was observed between the HPCD and Organisational Commitment (OC) (r(df = 86; p = 0.243) = -0. 129). A practically significant negative correlation (medium effect) was observed between HPCD and Job Satisfaction (JS), (r(df = 86; p = 0.002) = -0.336). These results were supported by the findings from a literature review, with the exception of the lack of statistical significance in the HPCD and OC relationship. Practical Relevance: Interpretations from all the results were made and future theoretical and practical recommendations to the HRM industry are proposed. This research provides valuable insight into the South African context, filling a literature gap in this area and provides knowledge with regards to the applicability of the equity theory and social comparison theory in the workplace. / Dissertation (MCom)--University of Pretoria, 2012. / Human Resource Management / MCom / Unrestricted

This study explored the lived experiences of foreign academics’ wellbeing and adjustment and the impact thereof on their job performance in a South African higher education (HE) institution. The qualitative interpretive study reviewed the literature on wellbeing, adjustment and job performance. It explored the impact of wellbeing and adjustment factors on performance, both personally and professionally. The job demands-resources (JD-R) model was applied in the study to demonstrate that when job resources are high, employee wellbeing, adjustment and job performance is enhanced. Purposive sampling was used to draw a sample of five foreign academics who were employed at the HE institution for more than one year and originated from different countries. Online video calling was used to gather data from the participants using semi-structured interviews. Content analysis was used to create themes and sub-themes from which the study findings were derived and conclusions, as well as recommendations, were made. The study revealed that the wellbeing and adjustment of foreign academics have a significant impact on their job performance. Recommendations were made to the HR managers, I/O psychologists, foreign academics as well as line managers on how to improve the wellbeing and adjustment of foreign academics at the HE institution. / Industrial and Organisational Psychology / M. Comm. (Industrial and Organisational Psychology)