THE GERMAN EXECUTIVE IN THE UNITED-STATES WORK AND SOCIAL-ENVIRONMENT- EXPLORING ROLE DEMANDS

German executives residing in the U. S. were examined on dimensions of satisfaction and adjustment to expatriation. Reported cultural skill, prior experience living abroad, business problems encountered in the U. S., and attributions of German and U.S. staff were studied in relat ion to satisfaction living abroad, career development satisfaction rel ated to expatriation, and work satisfaction. A comparison group of 21 U.S. executives living in Japan was included in the analysis. Results indicated that German executives reported fewer business-related barri ers and greater cultural skill than did the American executives. Howev er, there was no significant difference in general satisfaction found between the two groups; for the German executives, expatriate satisfac tion was predicted by greater career satisfaction and lower ratings fo r identification with the parent company. For both groups, the level o f cultural skill was significantly related to satisfaction living abro ad.