A study of underemployment among self-initiated expatriates

This study investigated the antecedents and consequences of underemployment among self-initiated expatriates (SBEs). Data were obtained from 302 SIEs from 39 different organizational settings. It was found that a lack of job autonomy, job suitability, job variety, and fit to the psychological contract contributed to underemployment. Furthermore, consistent with previous research, the results suggest that underemployed SIE will exhibit negative work attitudes which may be detrimental to organizational effectiveness. The implications of these findings; are discussed.