Personality and cross-cultural adjustment among expatriate assignees in Malaysia

This paper investigates the affects of personality traits on expatriate cross-cultural adjustment. Based on sample
of 332 expatriates working in Malaysia, personality factor found to be a significant determinant of expatriate
cross-cultural adjustment in international assignments. Specifically, the results of this study reveal that
expatriates in Malaysia with greater agreeableness personality fared better in their general and interaction
adjustment. Those with greater extraversion found to adjust better in general environment. Those with greater
conscientiousness and openness to experience adjusted better to the work environment. The findings of this
study contributes to the body of knowledge in the cross-cultural management field and have practical implication
to expatriating firms especially in the area of selection and training of candidates for international assignments.