Final answer:
Work-related stress, particularly due to work overload, role conflict, and challenging work relationships, is often cited as a reason for expatriate failure.
Step-by-step explanation:
Work-related stress is one of the reasons that human resource managers cite for failure among expatriates. This type of stress can arise from factors such as work overload, conflict and ambiguity in defining the managerial role, or difficult work relationships. The challenge for expatriates is often due to the adaptation to different cultural environments, which may lead to misunderstanding and increased pressure on the individual to perform.
Another significant challenge for expatriates that can lead to failure is cultural adaptation or the inability to integrate into the host country's culture. This can result in a phenomenon known as culture shock, which might cause an expatriate to struggle with local customs, language barriers, and social norms, eventually affecting their work performance. Furthermore, in some cases like Saudi Arabia, expatriates might face high levels of discrimination or even abuse, which can exacerbate the difficulties they face abroad and contribute to expatriate failure.
Being knowledgeable about these challenges and adequately preparing for them can help improve the chances of a successful expatriate assignment. Human resources departments must ensure comprehensive cultural training and support systems are in place for expatriates to prevent such failures.