University of Twente Student Theses
Facilitating Expatriates' Creativity
Stasiunaite, Ruta (2014) Facilitating Expatriates' Creativity.
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| Abstract: | In a frequently globalized work environment organizations increasingly consider employing expatriates due to their positive influence on creative, innovative outcomes. However, literature on the topic of how to facilitate their creativity is missing. The aim of this paper was to provide with an overview of critical factors affecting expatriates’ creativity and innovativeness, as well as implications on how managers could stimulate expatriates’ creativity. 16 expatriates from various countries working in professional service industries, namely, governmental, communication, consultancy and art; and 1 expert from the European Commission Directorate-General for Research and Innovation were interviewed in Brussels, Belgium. The findings suggest that non-hierarchical organizational structure; open communication and knowledge exchange; team diversity; equal treatment and social justice; clear long-term and short-term goals; expatriates’ personal traits are a few of the most important factors that affect expatriates’ creativity. Findings also reveal factors influencing expatriates’ creativity that are surprising, either contradicting (lack of resources; adjustment and integration only to a certain extent) or adding (expatriate status) to the existing theory and previous research. Several recommendations for managers who seek for expatriates’ creativity are presented, namely, non-work related guidance, mentoring and training programs, and manager’s international experience and awareness. At the end, limitations and directions for future research are presented. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 85 business administration, organizational science |
| Programme: | Business Administration MSc (60644) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/66121 |
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