Dual-career couples during international relocation: The trailing spouse

Author: Harvey M.

Source: International Journal of Human Resource Management, Volume 9, Number 2, 1 April 1998 , pp. 309-331(23)

Publisher: Routledge, part of the Taylor & Francis Group

Abstract:

Expatriate relocation is a complex process which is influenced by a variety of issues. One issue, the dual-career couple, increases the likelihood of dissatisfaction and failure of the foreign assignment. The trailing spouse plays a critical role in the amount of stress/conflict experienced by the expatriate and she/he is key to increasing the success rate of expatriate managers. This research reports on a survey of 258 dual-career couples and their concerns with: (1) willingness to relocate; (2) unique adjustment issues; (3) stress/conflict generating situations; and (4) the type/level of support provided by the expatriate managers' MNCs.

Keywords: DUAL-CAREER; GLOBAL; ASSIGNMENT; TRAILING; SPOUSE

Language: English

Document Type: Research article

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