An intensive literature review on international assignments, expatriate failures and success, connected issues and the means for its refinement-with special reference to expatriates in the field of energy

Intensive literature review provides a holistic understanding over the journey of an expatriate. The dynamic business environment and stretching the business across the border has paved way for the growth of an expatriate. The role of an expatriate in international assignment is multi-dimensional. It ranges from a representative, agent, monitor, communicator, etc. The paper provides comprehensive review of the evolving research on the key challenges present in the international assignments and also briefly discusses the significance of expatriation and the various facets of an expatriate’s role. The cost of international assignment is three to five times greater than hiring a local employee. To add a meaningful insight to quantify the expenses attached with an expatriate, the studies on Return on Investment (ROI), Benefit- Cost Ratio (BCR), Human Capital contributes significantly. In spite of many studies on the significance of the international assignments and huge costs attached with it, the failure rate of expatriates continues to be a major issue. At this stage, many researchers have identified a research gap and calls for meaningful studies to enlighten the context. As a means to resolve the current issue, the paper also covers the studies on importance of selection process of an expatriate, selection criteria, etc. And it also covers papers on expatriate training which is also considered to resolve the above said issue.