Cross-Cultural Challenges and Adjustments of Expatriates: A Case Study in Malaysia

Abstract

Due to globalization and vision to be an industrialized nation, Malaysia acknowledges the inflow ofexpatriates into the country to meet the demands for skilled and professional manpower. This paperreports on a study conducted among a group of expatriates in Malaysia. The objectives of the study areto examine challenges faced by the expatriates and adjustments made to the challenges. Culturalclashes between foreign and local values are inevitable in which expatriates experience challenges. Indepthinterviews were conducted with 20 male and female expatriates working in various firms andinstitutions in Malaysia. The study highlighted the psychological, socio-cultural and work challenges.Adjustments were based on individual initiatives based on the psychological and mental strengths ofthe expatriates, combined with efforts of peer expatriates, parent firms and host organizations.