Host Country Nationals’ Perceptions of Expatriates and Social Support: Does Host Country Nationals’ Position Matter?

Abstract

Studies have acknowledged the unique role of host country nationals in the expatriation process as they often play a critical role in exptriate assignment success. However, the association between host country nationals’ perceptions of expatriates and social support has not been thoroughly investigated in the expatriation literature. In addition, little is known about how the position occupied by host country nationals influence their inclination to support expatriates. This study empirically examines the effects of host country nationals’ perceptions of expatriates on social support in sub-Saharan Africa host nation using the mixed methods research approach. The results of the study revealed that host country nationals’ perceptions positively influenced social support. Openness and expatriate privileges are significantly associated with social support. Results suggest that expatriate position may either strengthen or weaken host country nationals perception-social support relationships.