| Summary: | This dissertation describes a research project into the factors which affect the cross- cultural adjustment of expatriates’ spouses to life in Singapore.
The research methodology used was an attitude survey of expatriates’ spouses from western countries. It was conducted at two occasions at a women’s club meeting and at a fun-fair. From the literature review, a framework on expatriate spouses’ transnational adjustment was proposed. The two dependent variables used in the study are General Adjustment and Interaction Adjustment. Past research have centered on these two facets of adjustment, with several similar concluding variables. Hence, it is also an objective of this study to identify which determinants are similar for both facets. The independent variables included in the study can be divided into five broad categories: biographic determinants, individual determinants, organizational
determinants, cultural determinants, and social support. The biographic factors include: (1) Age; (2) Education; (3)Duration of Stay; and (4) Previous Transfer Experiences. The individual determinants would include: (1) Self-Efficacy; and (2) Desire to Adjust. The organizational determinants include: (1) Length of Notification Period; (2) Pre-departure training; and (3) Company Assistance (After Move). The cultural determinants include: (1) Culture Shock; and (2) Perceived Cultural Distance. Last, but not least, social support include: (1) Support from host- nationals; (2) Support from friends; and (3) Support from family members. Based on the proposed model, thirteen hypotheses were advanced: six are related to General Adjustment and another six are related to Interaction Adjustment, as well as one hypothesis relating the two dependent variables together. Of the thirteen hypotheses, eleven require Bivariate Correlational Analysis, and two require Multivariate Correlational Analysis.
The data collected from the questionnaire survey were tested using the statistical package, SPSSX. First, a Cronbach’s Alpha test was run to ensure internal reliability of the questions measuring the variables, followed by the bivariate correlation table on which the acceptance or rejection of eleven hypotheses were based. This was followed showed Self-Efficacy and Desire to Adjust as factors contributing to General Adjustment at the 95% significance level. Results also indicated that the factors that influence Interaction Adjustment are Social Support from Host-Country Nationals, Social Support from Friends, Duration of Stay, and Self-Efficacy and Company Assistance (Prior Move) at the 95% significance level.
From these results, a revised model was put forward and the managerial implications discussed. The results point to a clear emphasis on the importance of self-confidence in determining both dependent variables. The recommendations offered to improve the adjustment include suggestions that companies assist in various ways such as implementing mentorship programs and cross-cultural training, establishing a communication link for the spouse back to the home country by sending newsletters, magazines and newspapers carrying news of the home country to them. Organizations may also assist in applying for work visas for the spouse, so that she may not lose her sense of identity in the working society. Companies should also pay more attention in designing repatriation programs as this is a much neglected but important aspect when the expatriate and his spouse return home after completion of the assignment.
Finally, improvements to the design of the current study have been suggested, and areas of further research emerging from the results are proposed.
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