Factors Enhancing the Expatriate Intent to Stay in Pakistan: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach

Abstract

Purpose: Expatriates are the key players in establishing and running the international business in the host country. Therefore, a burgeoning debate has been done regarding their effectiveness and their intent to stay in the host country. In this regard, most of the researchers have explored the organizational factors. However, there is scant research that explores the psychological capabilities of an individual as an expatriate to sense and act in accordance with the cultural and social environment of the host country. Therefore, the present study aims to assess the effect of cultural and social intelligence on expatriate’s intent to stay through job satisfaction. Design/Methodology/Approach: In order to meet the objectives of the research, 303 expatriates in Pakistan were selected as target respondents using simple random sampling technique. The collected data was then analyzed by adopting PLS-SEM approach using Smart PLS 3.0 software. Findings: The findings of the study revealed a significant association of cultural and social intelligence with job satisfaction. In addition, the relationship of job satisfaction and expatriates’ intent to stay was also established. The findings of the study also confirm the mediating role of job satisfaction between the relationship of cultural and social intelligence with expatriate intent to stay. Implications/Originality/Value: The significance of expatriates cannot be overlooked from the host country’s perspective. Therefore, this study is unique in its kind that explains the factors that are significant in enhancing expatriates’ intent to stay in Pakistan.