I denna uppsats studeras användandet av traditionella och icke-traditionella expatriatuppdrag. Uppsatsens frågeställning är: I vilken utsträckning kan syften med traditionella expatriater uppfyllas av icke-traditionella uppdrag? Detta undersöks genom en kvalitativ studie på ett multinationellt företag som länge arbetat med expatriater. Resultatet visar tydliga exempel på hur externa faktorer samt organisatoriska- och individuella drivkrafter påverkar expatriatuppdrag när det kommer till dess syfte och/eller uppdragstyp. Resultatet visar också att flera av de syften som forskare presenterat för traditionella expatriater identifierats inom vissa icke-traditionella expatriatuppdrag. Utöver detta påträffas syftet att minska risken för konflikter som kan uppstå till följd av kulturella skillnader. Detta visade sig endast kunna uppfyllas av traditionella expatriatuppdrag, vilket motiverar att icke-traditionella uppdrag i liten utsträckning kan uppfylla traditionella uppdrag. Däremot visar studien en pågående trend mot ett minskande av traditionella expatriatuppdrag och en större acceptans gentemot alternativa uppdrag. / This paper aims to examine the employment of traditional long-term and non-standardized expatriate assignments. The question posed is: To what extent can the aims of traditional long-term assignments be reached with non-standardized assignments? To do this, the authors have performed a case study of a multinational company with a long history of employing expatriates. The theoretical framework for the study was devised by focusing on factors considered to affect the purposes and design of expatriate assignments. The results clearly demonstrate, through the examples presented, how external factors, together with organizational and individual motivations, influence the design of expatriate assignments, in terms both of the purpose and the type of assignment chosen. Similar goals with expatriates have been identified within some non-standardized expatriate assignments. Further to discussing these goals, the paper also discusses the aim of reducing the risk of conflict arising through cultural differences. As this only turned out to be relevant in the case of traditional long-term assignments, one may assert that non- standardized assignments can fulfil the goals of traditional long-term assignments to a limited extent only. Furthermore, the study demonstrates an ongoing trend towards a reduction in the use of traditional long-term assignments, and a growing tendency to accept alternative non- standardized assignments.

This study examines the expatriate spouses’ cross-cultural adjustment to the host country. The cross-cultural adjustment experience of the expatriate spouse differs vastly from that of the expatriate. Literature was consulted to understand the cardinal role that the spouse portrays during an expatriate assignment and to highlight the importance of a well-adjusted spouse. This study engaged in qualitative research methodology using five expatriate spouses residing in Rome, Italy. Spouses were from two different countries and represented different age groups. Data collection methods included interviews and a focus group session to gain an in-depth understanding of spouses’ cross-cultural adjustment experiences. Results showed that spouses arriving in the host country experienced a loss of identity. Identity in this study was divided into three categories namely personal, situational and social. Once spouses went through a period of identity reformation they were able to become well-adjusted spouses. / Psychology of Education / M. Ed. (Guidance and Counselling)

This study examines the expatriate spouses’ cross-cultural adjustment to the host country. The cross-cultural adjustment experience of the expatriate spouse differs vastly from that of the expatriate. Literature was consulted to understand the cardinal role that the spouse portrays during an expatriate assignment and to highlight the importance of a well-adjusted spouse. This study engaged in qualitative research methodology using five expatriate spouses residing in Rome, Italy. Spouses were from two different countries and represented different age groups. Data collection methods included interviews and a focus group session to gain an in-depth understanding of spouses’ cross-cultural adjustment experiences. Results showed that spouses arriving in the host country experienced a loss of identity. Identity in this study was divided into three categories namely personal, situational and social. Once spouses went through a period of identity reformation they were able to become well-adjusted spouses. / Psychology of Education / M. Ed. (Guidance and Counselling)