Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of cultural distance in cross-cultural adjustment of inpatriates. Furthermore, it investigates the role  of organizational and social support in cross-cultural adjustment.

Method

In order to achieve the purpose of this study a qualitative method of data gathering was chosen. A case study was conducted in Sandvik Sweden in Gävle, and personal interviews were done with the Indian inpatriates and other representatives involved in international assignment.

Findings

The cultural distance between Sweden and Indian  directly affect the concept of teamwork in Sandvik-Sweden and Sanvik-India.

To understand the cultural background and  motive of  inpatriates is important  in designing organizational support that facilitates anticipatory and in-country adjustment processes.

The existence of a recognized socializing way at headquarter eases to interact and develop interpersonal relationship, which facilitate the adjustment process of inpatriates through  referral made from known sources.

Implication and suggestion for the future

This study can assist multinational companies that are interested in the Cross- cultural adjustment process of inpatriates.

We suggest for additional investigations in different organizational setup about the same subject matter to compare new results with the current findings. Future researchers can also investigate the impact of repatriation of inpatriates’ in cross- cultural adjustment.