Sensemaking in Expatriation—A Theoretical Basis

Contemporary thinking and research into expatriation has fallen into two clusters: a macrostrategic level and a micropractice level. Some theoretical tension exists between the clusters, and calls for the reframing of understanding gained from the theoretical basis of past acculturation studies to address global management in volatile business environments. This article explores the theoretical concept of sensemaking in expatriation. Two sensemaking elements, Sense of Coherence and Socio-Cultural Brokerage, are introduced as potentially contributing to expatriation responses, together with the implications of sensemaking theory for research and practice in the management of overseas assignments.