The International Journal of Human Resource Management · 1998 · 191 citations · 69 references
ManagementInternational BusinessInternational ManagementExpatriate ManagementFamily StudiesSpousal SupportDual RelationshipsDual-career IssuesDual-career SupportExpatriate AdjustmentExpatriate SelectionDual-career ExpatriatesExpatriate Adjustment FailureExpatriate Couple AdjustmentExpatriate Spouse AdjustmentInternational Relocation SupportRelocationSpouse Career SupportTrailing Spouse Support
Abstract Expatriate relocation is a complex process which is influenced by a variety of issues. One issue, the dual-career couple, increases the likelihood of dissatisfaction and failure of the foreign assignment. The trailing spouse plays a critical role in the amount of stress/conflict experienced by the expatriate and she/he is key to increasing the success rate of expatriate managers. This research reports on a survey of 258 dual-career couples and their concerns with: (1) willingness to relocate; (2) unique adjustment issues; (3) stress/conflict generating situations; and (4) the type/level of support provided by the expatriate managers' MNCs. Keywords: Dual-careerGlobal AssignmentMale Trailing Spouse
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