Abstract:

Over the past two decades, there has been an increased interest in global forms of employment in international HRD. Studies of expatriates in HRD generally focus on employees sent on global assignments by their respective organizations. However, there is a growing population of individuals who initiate expatriation, also known as self-initiated expatriates. This paper is an original piece of work that offers the opportunity to ascertain and comprehend the need to study self-initiated expatriates in the United States. Findings suggest a steady increase in the percentage of self-initiated expatriates.Findings also suggest that while the numbers are increasing, there is a need to conduct empirical research in this area. Based on this review, the author outlines an agenda for future research in this area as well as implications for HRD research and practice

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