Expatriates' influence on the affective commitment of host country nationals in China: the moderating effects of individual values and status characteristics

Host country nationals (HCNs) have been identified as an important source for expatriation success. However, empirical research on the effects of expatriates on HCNs is still sparse. Drawing upon social identity theory, our study aims to fill this void by investigating whether having an expatriate supervisor reduces the affective commitment of HCNs and which HCNs are more affected. Survey findings from 188 Chinese white-collar employees working for German multinational enterprises in China provide empirical evidence of the negative effect of expatriate supervisors on HCNs' affective commitment. Moreover, our results indicate that HCNs' individual values (individualism and money orientation) as well as status characteristics (social class and seniority within the firm) moderate the relationship. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.