Key Takeaways:

• Moral Dissonance Abroad: Expatriates often face situations that conflict with their core values, leading to internal discomfort.
• Cognitive Dissonance and Stress: Psychological distress can arise from contradictory experiences, highlighting the importance of managing this cognitive dissonance.
• Ethical Leadership Matters: Strong organisational support and ethical guidelines are essential in helping expatriates navigate moral challenges and reduce turnover.
• Innovative Global Mobility Trends: Remote and hybrid assignments are on the rise, along with the use of virtual reality (VR) for cultural training.
• Practical Steps for HR: Implement ethical training, strengthen expatriate relationships, and embrace emerging technologies like VR to support expatriates effectively.

Authors:

Theresa Bernhard, M.Sc., is a Research and Teaching Associate at Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, specialising in Global Mobility. She has published in leading journals like the Journal of International Management and Journal of Global Mobility. Her research occasionally extends to Corporate Social Responsibility, drawing on her prior experience in the automotive industry. Theresa has studied and worked in Germany, Mexico, and the United States.

Prof. Dr. Stefan Remhof is the Managing Partner of the People Mobility Alliance and Professor of International Management at IU International University. He is a recognised expert in global mobility, expat management, and international assignments.