Language Proficiency, Host-Country Nationals, and Expatriate Ajustment: A Moderated Mediation Model

Studies have shown that expatriates with more polished skills in the host-country language are better adjusted to the host culture. However, the role of host-country nationals (HCNs) in the link between expatriates’ language proficiency and their adjustment has not been thoroughly investigated. Drawing on Social Identity Theory and Network Theory, we propose and test a moderated mediation model focusing on two HCN-related variables, namely HCN support and HCN network size. Based on a survey with 281 expatriates, we show that proficiency in the host-country language has a positive association with expatriates’ general, interaction, and work adjustment through increased social support from HCNs. Moreover, we find that HCN network size moderates this mediation such that the expatriates’ local language proficiency gains more importance when their network size is smaller. In contrast, when expatriates have large local networks, the positive impact of language skills weakens. Our findings have implications for expatriates and international human resource managers.