Global mobility and the management of expatriates

"80% of the future workforce will be mobile, and many want to work anywhere, anytime" (PWC, 2019). Global mobility, i.e. relocation of people across countries, has and will continue to be a major trend. The total number of expatriates, i.e., employees who live and work abroad for a limited period of time, is estimated to amount to around 66.2 million worldwide and has been on a steady rise (Finaccord, 2019). Taking a wider perspective, the OECD estimates that there are currently around 250 million people living outside their home country, amounting to 3.3% of the world's population, and with 70% of them of working age (OECD, 2017). Global mobility presents both opportunities and challenges for organisations and individuals. Organisations dispatch expatriates to transfer knowledge, for control and coordination, and management development (Edström & Galbraith, 1977), with the ultimate goal to improve innovation and organizational performance (Bebenroth & Froese, 2020; Chang, Gong, & Peng, 2012). In terms of management development, international experience is the most effective way for individuals to acquire new knowledge and skills and boost their careers (Froese, Kim, & Eng, 2016; Sarabi, Froese, & Hamori, 2017)"--