Emotional intelligence: it’s (sic) effect on expatriate’s cross-cultural adaptation in international construction

Globally, construction companies and projects are entering into an era of increased internationalization which in turn has lead to the migration/promotion of construction professionals to different parts of the world for their specialized capabilities and skills.Thus, it is of utmost importance that these professionals adapt themselves to the new world with varied culture because international businesses require their staff to work efficiently irrespective of the cultural setting (Yamakazi & Kayes, 2004). Cross-cultural adaptation becomes extremely important and essential for both the expatriate and the organization due to its significant influence on the success of both the assignment and the expatriate (Aycan & Kanungo, 1997, Ones & Viswesvaran, 1997). Various factors influence adaptation; in order to be able to nail them down a detail literature study was carried out. The review suggests that the individual skills and competencies do,significantly contribute to the acculturation of the expatriate. This research particularly concentrated on Emotional Intelligence (EI) of the expatriate as a possible predictor of adaptation. EI skills like being persistent, flexible, self managed with good interpersonal skills could be perceived to be very important for cross-cultural adjustment on international assignments. Understanding these essential factors and the process of adaptation, can actually help organizations in selecting, mentoring individuals and even provide necessary support for a successful completion of the overseas project.