ABSTRACT
Several themes running though the previous chapters in this volume are identified. These themes pointed to overriding issues or specific needs for research on expatriates to develop more fully. The four specific themes identified are “the changing global workplace,” “the need for more theoretical development,” “broader methodologies,” and “dealing with inequity in the multinational context.” The first theme refers to various discussions about how the nature of global work and the nature of international assignments have changed to include new types of employees, and how there is a need to be concerned with safety and security for all employees in any multinational context. The second theme reflects the call to develop stronger theoretical bases for studying expatriates and the challenges they face. The third theme identifies the need for longitudinal research designs and a broader set of informants, among other issues, in research dealing with expatriates. The final theme reflects the common topic of inequity faced by women, minorities, and host-country nationals. This chapter also summarizes the future research agendas highlighted in the various chapters, and develops several additional directions for future research that cut across specific issues.
