RUNNING HEAD: SELF INITIATEDEXPATRIATES IN THE UNITED STATES SELF INITIATED EXPATRIATES IN THE UNITED STATES: IMPLICATIONS FOR HRD

Year 2013, Volume: 8 Issue: 1, 39 - 45, 01.06.2013

A. Esther Joshua Gojer A. Esther Joshua Gojer Jeff M. Allen

Abstract

Over the past two decades, there has been an increased interest in global forms of employment in international HRD. Studies of expatriates in HRD generally focus on employees sent on global assignments by their respective organizations. However, there is a growing population of individuals who initiate expatriation, also known as self-initiated expatriates. This paper is an original piece of work that offers the opportunity to ascertain and comprehend the need to study self-initiated expatriates in the United States. Findings suggest a steady increase in the percentage of self-initiated expatriates.Findings also suggest that while the numbers are increasing, there is a need to conduct empirical research in this area. Based on this review, the author outlines an agenda for future research in this area as well as implications for HRD research and practice

Keywords

Self-initiated expatriates, Expatriates working in the United States, foreign workers

RUNNING HEAD: SELF INITIATEDEXPATRIATES IN THE UNITED STATES SELF INITIATED EXPATRIATES IN THE UNITED STATES: IMPLICATIONS FOR HRD

Abstract

Over the past two decades, there has been an increased interest in global forms of employment in international
HRD. Studies of expatriates in HRD generally focus on employees sent on global assignments by their
respective organizations. However, there is a growing population of individuals who initiate expatriation, also
known as self-initiated expatriates. This paper is an original piece of work that offers the opportunity to ascertain
and comprehend the need to study self-initiated expatriates in the United States. Findings suggest a steady
increase in the percentage of self-initiated expatriates. Findings also suggest that while the numbers are
increasing, there is a need to conduct empirical research in this area. Based on this review, the author outlines an
agenda for future research in this area as well as implications for HRD research and practice.

Keywords

Self-initiated expatriates, Expatriates working in the United States, foreign workers

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