Short-term international assignments and their performances: A conceptual framework for future researchers

Abstract

Significant research has been undertaken on expatriates, but comparatively little is available on short-term international assignees (SIAs) (Conroy, et al., 2018, Vance et al., 2017) [5, 19, 33]. Limited coverage of SIAs within the literature encouraged this conceptual paper which seeks to not only understands the concept of SIAs but also that to offer a direction for future researchers to carry out research with a holistic approach. The purpose of this paper is to propose a model to increase the adjustment and performances of SIAs. This conceptual model has integrated a series of activities: organizational support and social support that is expected to take place at three-time stages to make sure SIAs adjustment and performance. The outcomes of the paper will come up with adequate indicators to measure the integration and effectiveness of the job performance of SIAs. The literature-based data compilation was done to develop this model. 1. Introduction Researchers in the field of international human resource management IHRM increasingly realize the limitations of traditional long-term expatriation in favor of its more flexible cousins the alternative forms of international assignments. Short-term international assignments (SIAs) are the most prominent among other alternative types of international assignments (Herod, 2008; Tahvanainen et al., 2005) [15, 31]. Even though these SIAs are largely self-dependent, often fulfilling training, support and information needs themselves, which may due to the short notice is given upon departure and the short time periods spent on completing a task ((Mayerhofer et al., 2004, Bonache et al., 2017). However, these types of self-bearing create demotivation and an unwillingness to undertake future assignments (Suutari et al., 2013) [29]. Because of the available empirical and theoretical knowledge gap, researchers and practitioners have to date failed to discuss "what mechanism has improved the performance of SIAs". This study attempts to present a conceptual model in explaining a mechanism that ensures the performance of SIAs at both the on-assignment stage and the post-assignment stage of the assignment. On the other hand, performance outcome assessment would be an excellent feedback for the management in developing the potentials of the rest of the home country's local staff. The paper is organized into several sections. First, the meaning of international assignments and the related cycle are explained. Next, it refines the term SIAs while an explanation of the proposed model is included in the last section before the conclusion.