U-Curve Theory of Adjustment
Early research on expatriate adjustment focused mostly on cross-cultural adjustment issues; scholars relied on the U-Curve Theory (UCT) of adjustment. Adjusting to a culture in closer proximity to one’s own can reduce stress arising from psychological uncertainty engendered by a new learning situation (Black et al., 1991). Learning is facilitated if an experienced person can guide a neophyte in the new environment (Mendenhall & Oddou, 1985), but such a relationship is more likely if there is cultural proximity.
The U-Curve framework has been used to describe the cross-cultural adjustment process of expatriate employees or sojourners within a host culture (Lysgaard, 1955; Black & Mendenhall 1990; Usunier 1998).
The UCT include discussions of four stages of adjustment (Figure 1). The honeymoon stage occurs during the first week after arrival at the host country. Individuals are fascinated by the new and different culture. When the newcomers start to cope with real conditions on daily basis, the second stage begins - culture stock stage. The stage is characterized by frustration and hostility towards the host nation and its people. The third stage is the adjustment stage in which the individual gradually adapts to the new norms and values of the host country and can act more appropriately than they were before. Finally, in the mastery stage, the individual is able to effectively function in the new culture.
The initial time in a new culture is exciting for the expatriate, plotting on a chart as a high point. However, as time progresses, they begin to feel the stress of adjusting and can begin to feel low, depressed, and even physically ill. Finally, they emerge at a higher point as they have adjusted to the new culture by learning how to cope and operate in the new environment. They are better able to interpret new cues, have eased past the communication breakdown and resolved their identity crisis. It is not as high as the exuberance they may have felt at the start, but reflects a more moderate attitude that is healthily sustainable in the long run (Gammel, 1998).
The degree of adjustment is measured not by conformity to the host country culture but in terms of variables such as comfort or satisfaction with the new environment, attitudes, contact with host nationals, or difficulties with aspects of the new environment (Torbiorn 1982; Black & Mendenhall 1990)