Development of a stressors-stress-performance-outcome model for expatriate construction professionals

Abstract

© 2016 American Society of Civil Engineers. Given the globalization of the construction industry, there are increasing numbers of expatriate construction professionals (ExCPs). The work practices and living environment are different between home and host countries, which often induce stress in ExCPs, cause underperformance, and reduce intention to stay for expatriates. This study aims to investigate the interactions among stressors, stress, performance, and intention to stay for ExCPs through the development of a stressors-stress-performance-outcome model. A questionnaire survey with purposive sampling was conducted. The research results show (1) work-home conflict, organizational centralization, and heavy workload affect ExCPs' overall performance and intention to stay indirectly through the vicious cycle between emotional and physical stress; (2) poor transportation exacerbates ExCPs' physical stress, while language fluency relieves it; (3) physical stress impairs overall performance, further reducing intention to stay; and (4) poor transportation directly reduces ExCPs' intention to stay. Recommendations, including flexible work schedules and stress management programs, are made. The study results enhance the current understanding of the complicated stress and expatriate management for ExCPs in a cross-cultural context.