Adjusting abroad: examining organizational, social, and cultural influences on expatriate integration at a Clinical Research Institute in Malawi

Overseas assignment, also known as expatriation, is a main strategy followed by multinational companies in their overseas operations. However, moving to a foreign country can be a highly stressful experience if not handled appropriately and as a result many expatriates fail. Therefore, the main objective of the present study is to investigate the integration experiences and challenges of the expatriate community at one of the Clinical Research Institute (will be called CRI in this study) institution in Blantyre, Malawi, using qualitative case study research design. This study is aimed at filling the gaps in existing literature by examining how social and cultural differences and organizational practices affect the adjustment of expatriates to a new environment in a sub-Saharan Africa clinical research context. The study will also examine expatriates’ perceptions of the efficacy of current organizational support systems for supporting their adaptation and integration in Malawi. Sample comprises expatriates who have at least spent a year of experience at this CRI, including those that had transitioned to their parent or other institutions outside Malawi. Semi-structured interviews exploring their experiences of support mechanisms and organizational, social and cultural adaptation challenges will be conducted. Thematic Analysis will be performed. It is expected that the findings of this study will therefore provide important insights into the integration experiences of expatriates at CRI and will facilitate the development and implementation of effective support measures, and processes to strengthen and improve integration of expatriates in the institution.