Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Science—Expatriate Assignments: More Than Career Development, a Gender and Power Game

Have you ever wondered if expatriate assignments offer the same opportunities for men and women in the age of globalization? While expatriate assignments are often seen as a golden stepping stone for career advancement, do they mean the same opportunities for both genders? Let’s uncover the mysteries and explore how expatriate assignments shape career capital and how gender impacts this process.

Official website screenshot

What’s the Value of Expatriate Assignments?

What do expatriate assignments truly mean? Are they about expanding global perspectives or accumulating career capital? Do they offer the same challenges and opportunities for men and women?

According to research by Ping Zhou from Massey University, expatriate assignments are not only a key path for career development but also a significant way to accumulate career capital. Through the three dimensions of "knowing-how," "knowing-whom," and "knowing-why," expatriates can significantly enhance both personal and professional capabilities. However, gender differences make this process complex and intriguing.

Men vs. Women in Expatriate Experiences: A Gender Game

Research reveals that men and women accumulate different types of career capital during expatriate assignments. Men typically enhance their career capital through expanding social networks and improving work skills, while women leverage networks to navigate challenges and enhance their visibility within the organization.

"Knowing-How": The Battle of Skills and Cognition

Male expatriates excel at identifying and focusing on the most critical tasks, while women demonstrate stronger multitasking and rapid adaptation skills. For instance, a female project manager assigned to Italy learned new skills like reading design drawings, paving the way for her future career.

"Knowing-Whom": Gender Differences in Social Networking

Men tend to build large social networks, while women focus on deeper relationships. Men incorporate colleagues from both their home country and host country into their networks, maintaining ties to their home organizations, while women seek mentors for emotional support and career guidance.

"Knowing-Why": The Awakening of Motivation and Self-Awareness

Women enhance their confidence and self-awareness during expatriate assignments, while men clarify their career goals and motivations. A female employee assigned to Italy regained confidence through encouragement from colleagues, becoming a better salesperson.

The Social Significance of Expatriate Assignments: A Litmus Test for Gender Equality

In the era of globalization, expatriate assignments are not only tools for career development but also a litmus test for gender equality. Gender discrimination in the Chinese workplace remains severe, with women facing more barriers in promotions and career advancement. However, expatriate assignments offer women opportunities to break through these barriers.

Through expatriate assignments, women can accumulate career capital, enhance visibility, and overcome gender biases through mentor relationships. This is not only an affirmation of individual capabilities but also a challenge to traditional gender roles.

Summary and Elevation: Expatriate Assignments, More Than Career Development

Expatriate assignments are not just stepping stones for career advancement but also arenas for personal growth and gender equality. Men accumulate career capital by expanding social networks and improving skills, while women overcome gender biases through mentor relationships and interpersonal interactions.

Imagine being assigned to a foreign country where you not only accumulate career capital but also redefine your professional identity. Expatriate assignments make every challenge meaningful and every growth memorable.

#ExpatriateAssignments #CareerCapital #GenderEquality #CareerDevelopment

The study was published in Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Science, Hill Publishing Group

https://www.hillpublisher.com/ArticleDetails/4519  

How to cite this paper: 

Ping Zhou. (2025) Developing Career Capital Through International Assignments in Chinese MNCs: An Examination of Gender Impact on Career Capital. Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Science, 9(3), 471-487.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.26855/jhass.2025.03.010