The impact of expatriate personality traits on cross-cultural adjustment: A study with expatriates in Japan

While personality traits have been regarded as among the most important factors influencing expatriate cross-cultural adjustment, relatively little focused research with a broad array of personality traits have been conducted. The present study examines the impact of expatriate personality traits through the Multicultural Personality Questionnaire on the general-, interaction-, and work-related facets of cross-cultural adjustment among 181 expatriates in Japan. The results show positive relationships between the expatriate personality traits of Open Mindedness and interaction adjustment, Emotional Stability and Cultural Empathy and general adjustment, and Social Initiative and work adjustment. The results provide nominal support for the cultural fit hypothesis in that the cultural fit between expatriate personality traits and host country cultural values facilitates cross-cultural adjustment. Suggestions for practice and future research are provided.

Short CV: Vesa Peltokorpi is Assistant Professor of human resource management at HEC School of Management in Paris.