Toxic transitions: workplace health risks and expatriate maladjustment in global higher education

Purpose Expatriate academics face heightened workplace health and well-being risks in volatile geopolitical contexts. This study applies the multiple capitals framework to examine how governance transitions and incivility disrupt professional adjustment, mental health and trust. Design/methodology/approach A mixed-method design combined 47 qualitative accounts from 32 expatriates at a Sino–US university with 164 Glassdoor.com reviews from three peer campuses and their US headquarters. The qualitative strand used computer-assisted coding and the quantitative strand employed descriptive and comparative statistics to benchmark organizational health and validate faculty narratives. Together, these strands provided triangulated insight into lived experiences and institutional dynamics. Findings Maladjustment stemmed from toxic management, job dissatisfaction and geopolitical tensions. Depletion of organizational and psychological capital – through exclusion, disregard for input and authority-based disrespect – was most evident. Qualitative accounts showed eroded trust and resilience, while quantitative results confirmed lower satisfaction at the focal university versus peer campuses. Together, these findings show how governance instability and interpersonal harm undermine expatriate well-being and institutional health. Practical implications Effective expatriate support requires transparent governance, stronger psychological safety and inclusive social systems. Cross-border mentorship can mitigate risk and sustain global collaboration. Originality/value By integrating acculturation theory with the multiple capitals and workplace health frameworks in a mixed-method design, this study advances understanding of expatriate adjustment under organizational instability.