An exploratory investigation of the relative importance of cultural similarity and personal fit in the selection and performance of expatriates

The cultural similarity hypothesis posits that differences between the home and host cultures for sojourners will relate directly to their difficulties adapting to the host culture. The personal fit perspective suggests that the individual's idiosyncratic response to the cultural environment determines successful cultural adaptation. Two studies of expatriates were conducted to investigate the role of cultural similarity and personal fit in the adaptation process. The findings suggest that it is not the cultural similarity between home and host but an individual's ability to fit into the host culture that results in successful adaptation.