Günter K Stahl, Edwin L Miller, Rosalie L Tung
Based on survey questionnaire data of 494 German expatriate managers on assignment to 59 countries, this study explored the nature of the expatriate career concept, the perceived impact of an international assignment on career advancement and personal development, and the effectiveness of corporate expatriate career management systems. The findings revealed that the majority of expatriates view their international assignment as an opportunity for personal and professional development and career advancement, despite perceived deficits in corporate career management systems and a widespread skepticism that the assignment will help them advance within their companies. The findings thus support the emerging notion of "boundaryless" careers. The implications for theory and practice of International Human Resource Management are discussed. © 2002 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.
INSEAD, Asian Business Area, Singapore, Singapore; Department of Management, University of Michigan Business School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States; Faculty of Business, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada
