Cross-cultural adjustment of inpatriates : Indian inpatriates in Sandvik

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of cultural distance in cross-cultural adjustment of inpatriates. Furthermore, it investigates the role of organizational and social support in cross-cultural adjustment. Method In order to achieve the purpose of this study a qualitative method of data gathering was chosen. A case study was conducted in Sandvik Sweden in Gävle, and personal interviews were done with the Indian inpatriates and other representatives involved in international assignment. Findings The cultural distance between Sweden and Indian directly affect the concept of teamwork in Sandvik-Sweden and Sanvik-India. To understand the cultural background and motive of inpatriates is important in designing organizational support that facilitates anticipatory and in-country adjustment processes. The existence of a recognized socializing way at headquarter eases to interact and develop interpersonal relationship, which facilitate the adjustment process of inpatriates through referral made from known sources. Implication and suggestion for the future This study can assist multinational companies that are interested in the Cross- cultural adjustment process of inpatriates. We suggest for additional investigations in different organizational setup about the same subject matter to compare new results with the current findings. Future researchers can also investigate the impact of repatriation of inpatriates’ in cross- cultural adjustment.Masters Thesi