Roles and opportunities for social work intervention in expatriate work environments

By applying synergistic systems approaches, the present study has examined social work services for foreign-based US employees and their families in order to facilitate a successful adjustment in overseas assignments. A clear understanding of the key elements that constitute the expatriate's adjustment procedure is essential in implementing the practical roles occupational social workers can play in the global workplace today. On the basis of the recognition of the difficulties of cross-cultural adjustment, industrial social workers can utilize their expertise particularly in the processes of selection, training, support in overseas systems and repatriation to maximize an effective and efficient foreign expatriation.