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Examining the distinct role of expatriates in top management teams during international assignments: a systematic review and a way forward

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Abstract

This article presents the concept of expatriates in top management teams (TMTs) by examining the literature on expatriate managers and TMT members. Based on the systematic review approach, 156 articles published in six databases in the last 33 years (1990–2022) were extracted. The main topic(s) of discussion in each article was identified which led to four main themes namely: (1) the characteristics of individuals in each group; (2) the challenges they face; (3) how work assignments impact these individuals; and, (4) how they impact organizational outcomes. Literature was analyzed to compare differences between expatriate managers and TMT members under each of these themes, and then discuss whether and how expatriates in TMTs are distinct from expatriate managers and other TMT members. Potential areas of research and theoretical perspectives which can help future research in examining the new themes for deepening understanding of the distinct role of expatriates in TMTs are also discussed.

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Data availability

The datasets generated during and/or analysed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

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This work was supported by the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan (HEC) under Grant NRPU 10188.

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  1. FAST School of Management, NUCES-FAST, A.K Brohi Road, H-11/4, Islamabad, Pakistan

    Sana Mumtaz & Sadia Nadeem

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  1. Sana Mumtaz
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Mumtaz, S., Nadeem, S. Examining the distinct role of expatriates in top management teams during international assignments: a systematic review and a way forward. Manag Rev Q (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11301-023-00344-6

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