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Bhattacharjee, S, Ghosh, S, Young-Corbett, D E and Fiori, C M (2013) Comparison of Industry Expectations and Student Perceptions of Knowledge and Skills Required for Construction Career Success. International Journal of Construction Education and Research, 9(01), 19-38.
Burgett, J M and Chini, A R (2013) Effective Energy Efficiency Measures for Existing Residential Homes in the Florida Market. International Journal of Construction Education and Research, 9(01), 61-80.
Clevenger, C M and Ozbek, M E (2013) Teaching Sustainability through Service-Learning in Construction Education. International Journal of Construction Education and Research, 9(01), 3-18.
Kramer, S W and Sommer, J (2013) An Initial Look at Motivations & Personality Traits of American Construction Professionals Working for International Firms. International Journal of Construction Education and Research, 9(01), 39-60.
- Type: Journal Article
- Keywords: career; expatriates; international construction; motivation
- ISBN/ISSN: 1557-8771
- URL: https://doi.org/10.1080/15578771.2012.680839
- Abstract:
This quantitative research study explored why American construction professionals choose to live and work overseas. In other words, what are the motivating factors that attribute not only to the willingness of U.S. employees to accept expatriate positions, but also the ability to see projects through to completion? As international corporate activities increase, the staffing of their operations involves more strategic concerns. However, foreign assignments have many differences, and dissatisfaction with host countries is a known cause of expatriate failure. In fact, failure rates have been estimated to range from 25% to 40% and associated costs for each failure is estimated from $55,000 to $85,000. The following general themes were examined through a 26-question web-based survey: (1) What initially motivated you to try overseas construction work? (2) What motivates you to continue working overseas? and (3) What personality traits are essential to a successful overseas construction career? Employees from nine international design and construction firms were surveyed and the results were analysed to form conclusions that may be helpful to human resource departments and managers of international construction operations.