Personality and Cross-Cultural Adjustment among Expatriate Assignees in Malaysia

Abstract

This paper investigates the affects of personality traits on expatriate cross-cultural adjustment. Based on sample of 332 expatriates working in Malaysia, personality factor found to be a significant determinant of expatriate cross-cultural adjustment in international assignments. Specifically, the results of this study reveal that expatriates in Malaysia with greater agreeableness personality fared better in their general and interaction adjustment. Those with greater extraversion found to adjust better in general environment. Those with greater conscientiousness and openness to experience adjusted better to the work environment. The findings of this study contributes to the body of knowledge in the cross-cultural management field and have practical implication to expatriating firms especially in the area of selection and training of candidates for international assignments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of International Business Research is the property of Canadian Center of Science & Education and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)