The repatriation process – a realistic approach

Purpose – This paper aims to present how a realistic view of the situation for the repatriate can help companies increase the retention rate among this important group of employees. A complete understanding of the repatriation process is crucial to offering repatriating employees proper backing and moral support needed during the process. Design/methodology/approach – A thorough review of the literature on repatriation is carried out to present a repatriation process model and a number of research propositions. Findings – This paper suggests that by focusing on motives and individuals' experience of the repatriation process, researchers and practitioners will be better able to understand the measures and support needed in the repatriation process to increase the retention of an organization's repatriated employees. Research limitations/implications – Suggestions for future research include a test of propositions by a survey, a longitudinal study of repatriates and closer look at the variables of motives and repatriation experience. Originality/value – This paper combines existing knowledge with new insights for understanding the repatriation process.