The inadequacy of using a few criteria to define self-initiated expatriates: a systematic literature review and proposed definition

Purpose Self-initiated expatriates (SIEs) literature is characterized by a narrow definition of SIEs and a lack of distinction between SIEs and other groups of international workers. This situation leads to a lack of a clear definition of SIEs. To improve understanding of SIEs, a systematic literature review (SLR) was carried out to identify criteria that are used in SIE literature to define SIEs. Design/methodology/approach SIEs literature is characterized by a narrow definition of SIEs and a lack of distinction between SIEs and other travelers. This situation leads to a lack of a clear definition of SIEs. To improve understanding of SIEs, a SLR was carried out to identify criteria that are used in SIE literature to define SIEs. Findings This SLR identified 13 criteria that can be used to define SIEs, but further analysis showed initiative, push factors, possession of skills, motivation, employment terms, period of stay, mobility and legal employment status are the important criteria that can be used to define SIEs and differentiate them from other groups of international workers. Research limitations/implications The findings of this SLR need to be interpreted in consideration of limitations. Some studies did not report home or host, while other studies grouped countries into regions. In other studies that used mixed samples of SIEs and other types of expatriates, the home or host countries of SIEs could not be distinguished. Although this SLR and previous works have attempted to clarify the concept of SIEs, there is a need for SLRs to clarify other groups of internationally mobile workers. There have been efforts aimed at bridging this gap, but there is a need for the use of SLR methodology and updating previous efforts. Originality/value This SLR has exhaustively reviewed existing literature on SIEs to identify essential criteria that can be used to differentiate and define SIEs. The review has demonstrated that existing criteria used to differentiate international mobile workers either exclude important criteria or include criteria that are not important. These limitations are overcome by developing criteria that differentiate various groups. These criteria are then used to develop a definition of SIEs, which the author believes adequately differentiates them from other groups of international workers.