Ask us equally if we want to go

Pernilla Gripenberg · Charlotta Niemistö · Carla Alapeteri

15 citations0/0 files storedJournal of Global Mobility The Home of Expatriate Management Research

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International Student and Expatriate Challenges Work-Family Balance Challenges Gender Diversity and Inequality

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore gender differences in career prospects and changes in attitudes to international assignments over recent decades in Finland. This is relevant in light of the international immobility trend among staff with which MNCs especially are struggling, coupled with the persistent unequal ratio of male to female expatriates. The paper aims to increase the understanding of how gender and family relations affect international career prospects and what changes have evolved over time. Design/methodology/approach – The paper compares differences and changes in opportunities to and preferences for long-term international assignments between male and female business graduates in Finland. It uses survey data on attitudes to expatriation from 1994 to 2008. Findings – A general shift from individual career centeredness towards family centeredness was detected between the two points in time. Paradoxically, this research shows that while gender equality seems to be increasing between spouses, it seems to be decreasing in who is being offered international assignments. The results give valuable insights into how the trend of international immobility has occurred and how the gender relations and gendered values are developing in society. Practical implications – While the international immobility trend persists, women apparently remain as an under-utilized resource when searching for employees to send on long-term expatriate assignments. Global HR professionals should pay more attention to whom expatriate assignments are offered and to how dual career couples and families can be better supported in the expatriation process. Originality /value – The paper contributes to the understanding of gendered careers and women's opportunities in international assignments with a unique comparison of changes over time.

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References

1990HIERARCHIES, JOBS, BODIES:2008Generational differences in psychological traits and their impact on the workplace 2007Changing patterns of global staffing in the multinational enterprise: Challenges to the conventional expatriate assignment and emerging alternatives 1987Pacific Basin Managers: A Gaijin, Not a Woman 2008Why do they go? Individual and corporate perspectives on the factors influencing the decision to accept an international assignment 2007Disruptive decisions to leave home: Gender and family differences in expatriation choices 1998Dual-career couples during international relocation: The trailing spouse 1984Women do not want international careers: And other myths about international management

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2016Long-term assignment reward (dis)satisfaction outcomes: hearing women’s voices

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