Convergence Vs Restraint Analysis

6. Indulgence versus Restraint: this revolves around the extent to which societies can control their impulse and desires

This theory constitutes a framework revolving around cross-cultural communication, which was devised by G. Hofstede. It portrays the impact of the culture ingrained in society on the values of members of that society. They also describe the relationship values and behaviour with the help of a structure based on factor analysis.

In other words, this theory studies the importance of culture and provides them a rating on a comparison scale.

As far as international business is concerned, the dimension of culture forms an important facet. Knowledge of the manner in which different features of a business are seen in different cultures,

Moving from Germany to Italy is not as big a deal as moving from Brazil to Ethiopia, in other words.

Gladly, the emerging countries of Southeast Asia have come a long way over the years and the main cities where most expatriates live often appear like mini-developed countries. However, there are acute and established differences that will be emotionally traumatic to many new expatriates.

However, the phenomenon of cross-cultural adjustment has been studied by scholars since late 1970. However, there has been more significant research since the 1980s (Black, Mendenhall, and Oddou, 1991). The intentional adjustment also includes substantial changes in the non- work environment, unfamiliar economic, political and social context.

Intercultural theorist supports expat feedback, stating that regardless of the uniqueness of each international assignment, there is bound to be a predictable cycle of ups and down, which expatriate are faced with.

The table below shows the stages and process of expatriate cultural adjustment while conducting assignment

Lasting: 4 to 6 weeks (depending on the individual)

In the Honeymoon phase, expatriates are excited to be in the new country and absorbed by its sights and sounds. Most expatriates relocating to emerging countries in Southeast Asia will experience a comparative increase in status and standard of living. They are most likely to have household servants and personal drivers for the very first time. More so, employers most a times fund a portion of expatriates’ living expenses so they feel wealthier than in their home countries.

For these reasons and others, expatriates feel okay about themselves and their family status in this first brief period of