| dc.description.abstract | This thesis ai ms to disdose the "secrets" of successful expatriation in the case
companies Innovation Norway and ConocoPhillips. The method applied is a multiple
case study, where we have used an inductive approach with semi-structured interviews
to answer our research questions:
The aeademie literature eontains a series ofrecommendations for suecessful expatriation:
To what extent do the aetual experienees of the largely suecessful expatriates in our two
ease eompanies deviate from these ideals? Are potential deviations best understood in
terms of a eultural or pragmatie perspeetive?
We found that the reality in Innovation Norway and Conoco Phillips deviates from the
recommendations in the expatriate literature on severaI aspects throughout the
Expatriation Cyde. Our findings support that the pragmatic perspective contributes to a
superior understanding of successful expatriation. We argue that the expatriates are
able to man age weU in an international context, as long as the pragmatic aspects are
sorted out. We found little evidence supporting the cultural perspective, and concluded
that it is better used as a supportive means in the expatriation pro cess. It is important to
notice that the perspectives are not mutuaUy exduding, and that both can be prominent
dep ending on the context.
Our study suggests that HR management should focus on pragmatic aspects in
expatriation management to achieve successful expatriation. With this, we mean that HR
should create a package that contains work for the expatriate, housing, schooling for the
children, and activities for the spouse. An important aspect of the package is also general
support and contact for the entire family throughout the expatriation pro cess. | no_NO |
