| Abstract |
In today’s global knowledge-based economy, knowledge has become a crucial success factor for organizations and individuals. Highly
qualified workers relocate abroad to obtain valuable knowledge and to
accelerate their career progress. Integrating theories of cognitive
ability and work experience, this study investigates the influence of
learning abilities and cultural intelligence (cognitive abilities), and
organizational tenure and work experience in the host country (work
experience), on the knowledge acquisition and career success of
expatriates. Results from a multi-wave survey of more than 600
expatriates from more than 100 countries show that both cognitive
abilities and work experience increase knowledge acquisition of
expatriates, which in turn increases subjective career success. Moreover,
results suggest that the beneficial effects of learning abilities can
only be leveraged after expatriates have gained work experience in the
host country. Theoretical and practical implications will be discussed. |