Adjustment variables, factors, and outcomes in the lives of United States managers of maquiladoras: An exploratory study.

摘要

The purpose of this study was to compare the adjustment experiences of U.S. managers of maquiladoras with the experiences of expatriates described in the Black, Mendenhall, & Oddou (1991) framework of international adjustment. Managers of 31 maquiladoras were interviewed by telephone. In addition to responding to the questionnaire items, the managers also provided comments and additional information on most questions.;Correlational analysis of the data indicated that, for these managers, some aspects of the framework of international adjustment (Black, Mendenhall, & Oddou, 1991) seemed to correspond with their experiences. Significant relationships of variables were found within the following factors: individual in-country adjustment (all variables); job in-country adjustment (specifically the role novelty, role clarity, and role discretion variables); organization culture in-country adjustment (specifically the social support and logistics help variables); organization socialization (all variables); and nonwork in-country adjustment (all variables).;The framework also suggested that different factors impact different facets of adjustment to the international assignment. The data supported some of these relationships. Within the anticipatory phase, anticipatory adjustment was found to be related to previous experience. Within the in-country adjustment phase, facets of mode of adjustment were found to be related to the following factors: individual in-country adjustment (specifically to the variables self-efficacy and relation skills); organization culture (specifically to the variable social support); and nonwork (specifically to the variable family adjustment). Within the in-country adjustment phase, facets of degree of adjustment were found to be related to the following factors: individual in-country adjustment (all variables); job in-country adjustment (specifically role clarity); and nonwork (the variables culture novelty, family adjustment, and spouse adjustment).;This sample of U.S. managers of maquiladoras perceived themselves to be well adjusted and productive within the maquiladora environment. Most learned the Spanish language and Mexican culture as they performed the tasks of their jobs. There was, however, a sense of isolation. Aspects of their working environment (such as language differences, customs issues, and Mexican law) and of their job (high autonomy and discretion) seemed to position them apart from other members of their organizations, both within their plants and within the general company structure.