Abstract:
Although repatriation adjustment is a matter for all re-entry groups, it is not
clear if it is an issue for returning academics. The article aims to investigate
whether the repatriation adjustment is a matter for academic repatriates.
The study was conducted with 63 Sri Lankan academic repatriates who had
been attached to a foreign university or academic institution for more than
1 year, had been involved in academic activities and, at the survey date, had
returned within the past 2 years. One sample t-test, independent sample
t-test and regression analysis were employed to test the proposed hypoth eses. The article provides empirical evidence to show that repatriation
adjustment is a matter for academic repatriates too. Academics who return
to their home university experience less fit to their organization compared
to their fit with their home organization before they had left. The article
highlights that universities need to take necessary steps to develop policies
and procedures to capitalize the knowledge and international experience of
returning academics. The findings extend the current scope of literature on
repatriation adjustment by identifying a new group of repatriates who are
experiencing repatriation adjustment issues.
