Cornelia Funk

International Assignments: Expatriate Adjustment and On-site Support - the Case Study of Expatriates in Portugal Cornelia Funk

This book explains and discusses important issues about expatriate adjustment and the relevance of support systems in the host country. The theoretical part of the book is based on a comprehensive review of the existing literature on expatriation and intercultural management. In this context, the author also approaches on-site support systems, a relatively unexplored field of expatriation, and examines to the young but fast growing sector of relocation services. The practical aspect of the book originates from a survey and personal interviews with expatriates and relocation services experts located in Portugal. This study examines the most common obstacles international assignees experience during their stays in Portugal and also questions the importance of local support systems for the expatriates' adaptation to the new surrounding. Subsequently, the book gives recommendations to both expatriates residing in Portugal and companies sending employees to this South- Western European country.