Analysis of the repatriation process in the context of the international mobility policy of the Solvay Group

Details

Supervisors

Claes, Marie-Therese ; Lejeune, Chrsitophe

Faculty

Louvain School of Management

Degree label

Master [120] en Ingénieur de gestion

Abstract

This master’s thesis aims to study the current context of the expatriation policy within the Solvay Group, with a particular focus on the situation faced by expatriates upon return in terms of career management. Additionally, our research will try to understand and assess the impact of the aforementioned repatriation circumstances on the organization and the individual. In order to fulfil this objective, our work was divided in two parts: The first part is a literature review of previous research on the concepts of expatriation and repatriation. The second part is a case study concerning the Solvay Group, for which we conducted seven interviews of former expatriates and International Mobility managers, with the aim of highlighting the role played by individuals and the company regarding the expatriation experience and, particularly, regarding the career management process. Our results were organized in four sections in both the literature review and the case study, structured as follow. We will start by analysing the drivers behind expatriation from the perspective of both the employee and the employer. Then, we will define the success and failure factors in the eyes of each party before reviewing the impact of the cultural adaptation of the expatriate manager. Finally, we will analyse the process of repatriation and identify its impact. The final goal of this study is attempting to provide recommendations to the key players of our research with a view to improving the way they go through the repatriation process.