Abstract
Chinese Multinational Enterprises (MNEs) constitute the largest group of MNEs from one single country currently involved in the African construction market. This involvement has resulted in more than half a million Chinese expatriates working on construction projects in Africa at any one time. The sheer scale of this activity provides a call for insights into the management of Chinese expatriates in Africa, especially given the critical contribution of these workers to construction projects in this region.
Given the lack of related HRM literature on Chinese MNEs operating in the region of Africa, the main aim of this research is to contribute to the understanding of expatriate management by Chinese construction MNEs operating in Africa. In addressing this aim, the objectives of the paper are to: a) identify and explore the cultural and institutional factors that impact upon HRM practices; and b) shed light on expatriates’ repatriation and career development with reference Chinese expatriates working in this context. The methodology of the study involved analysing data obtained from 410 completed questionnaires and 30 semi-structured interviews. The participants were Chinese expatriates, HR practitioners, relevant government officers from China and African countries, and other relevant stakeholders. The findings of the study reveal the diverse range of participants’ views about HRM practices linked to their job roles. The findings also shed light on how MNEs use training to prepare their expatriates though, in contrast, these same MNEs appear to neglect training designed to address repatriation and career development issues in the latter stages of their assignments. The implications of these findings are discussed with reference to policymaking, expatriate management and HRM practices within and beyond the contexts of China and Africa.
Given the lack of related HRM literature on Chinese MNEs operating in the region of Africa, the main aim of this research is to contribute to the understanding of expatriate management by Chinese construction MNEs operating in Africa. In addressing this aim, the objectives of the paper are to: a) identify and explore the cultural and institutional factors that impact upon HRM practices; and b) shed light on expatriates’ repatriation and career development with reference Chinese expatriates working in this context. The methodology of the study involved analysing data obtained from 410 completed questionnaires and 30 semi-structured interviews. The participants were Chinese expatriates, HR practitioners, relevant government officers from China and African countries, and other relevant stakeholders. The findings of the study reveal the diverse range of participants’ views about HRM practices linked to their job roles. The findings also shed light on how MNEs use training to prepare their expatriates though, in contrast, these same MNEs appear to neglect training designed to address repatriation and career development issues in the latter stages of their assignments. The implications of these findings are discussed with reference to policymaking, expatriate management and HRM practices within and beyond the contexts of China and Africa.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publication status | Published - 11 Oct 2023 |
| Event | 45th EBES Conference - Budapest - Mathias Corvinus Collegium, Budapest, Hungary Duration: 11 Oct 2023 → 13 Oct 2023 https://ebesweb.org/45th-ebes-conference-budapest/45th-budapest/ |
Conference
| Conference | 45th EBES Conference - Budapest |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | EBES 45th |
| Country/Territory | Hungary |
| City | Budapest |
| Period | 11/10/23 → 13/10/23 |
| Internet address |
Research Beacons, Institutes and Platforms
- Global Development Institute