Work Role and Work Adjustment in Emerging Markets: a study of German expatriates in CEE countries and Russia

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyze four major aspects of the work role and how they influence the expatriate work adjustment in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and Russia. Design/methodology/approach – The study uses a quantitative design. Self-reported data were collected from 113 German expatriates assigned to the CEE region and Russia. Findings – The results of the study confirm the hypothesized negative association of work adjustment with role conflict and support a positive association with role clarity. Positive relationships of work adjustment with role flexibility and negative relationships with role novelty are not supported. Originality/value – The empirical results partially confirm but also challenge the established connection of work role and work adjustment in a less well understood geographical context and provide relevant material for the business practitioner with implications for future research.