INITIAL EXAMINATION OF A MODEL OF INTERCULTURAL ADJUSTMENT

This article reviews relevant literature to present a model of intercu ltural adjustment based on Black's (1988) three-facet model of expatri ate adjustment. The literature is organized around the different indiv idual, organizational, and contextual variables likely to be related t o the three facets of adjustment. The model is partially tested with d ata from 169 adults working abroad in 12 different countries. The resu lts suggest that intercultural adjustment is affected by some controll able factors such as expatriate selection and management practices, bu t also by some uncontrollable factors such as the degree of culture no velty. The practical implications are described for those making expat riate selection decisions and are discussed in light of prior research on intercultural adjustment.