How does perceived organizational support improve expatriates' outcomes during global crises? The mediating role of the ethical organizational climate in global organizations

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted expatriates' work experiences, emphasizing the need to understand how organizations can mitigate negative consequences through meaningful support. However, a research gap exists regarding the association between perceived organizational support and cross-cultural psychological capital, creativity, and turnover intentions among expatriates during global crises. Drawing on the Social Exchange Theory and Conservation of Resource model, this quantitative study collected data from 314 expatriates in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the pandemic. Results revealed the significance of POS in reducing turnover intentions, fostering creativity, and enhancing cross-cultural psychological capital. These findings offer valuable recommendations for global organizations to fulfill their moral responsibility in providing meaningful support to expatriate employees during crises. Additionally, the study contributes to the literature on the impact of organizational support on expatriate outcomes amid uncertainty.