Toward a Glocalized Model of Expatriate Adjustment: Evidence from Chinese Expatriates in Africa

Abstract

The adjustment of Chinese expatriates in Africa remains an underexplored phenomenon, particularly within the project-driven construction sector. This paper evaluates the effectiveness of a Comprehensive Onboarding Program designed to enhance the adaptation of Chinese expatriates at Hebei Building Materials Industry Design and Research Institute’s South African subsidiary. Using a quantitative pre- and post-intervention design, data were collected from 30 expatriates across three domains of adjustment: language proficiency, intercultural communication, and social integration. Standardized CEFR-based assessments indicated that 67% of participants advanced by at least one proficiency level, with 40% attaining B2 or above. Cross-cultural communication scales revealed a 76% improvement rate, while social integration indices showed positive change for 81% of respondents. Overall, 88% rated the program as highly effective, underscoring its practical value for expatriate retention and engagement. By demonstrating statistically significant improvements across all three domains, this paper provides empirical evidence for the value of post-arrival, context-specific onboarding. The findings contribute to expatriate management literature by advancing a quantitatively validated, glocalized model of expatriate adjustment, extending the applicability of Western-derived frameworks to Chinese expatriates in Africa’s construction industry.