An Exploration of Cross-cultural Adjustment and Job Satisfaction among Primary School Native-speaking English Teachers in Hong Kong

Abstract

The study aimed to explore Primary School Native-speaking English Teachers’ (NETs’) cross-cultural adjustment and job satisfaction in Hong Kong. The relationship between NETs’ cross-cultural adjustment, stress and job satisfaction was investigated in a sample of 150 NETs by the quantitative analysis of a survey. A self-administered questionnaire comprised a biographical questionnaire and six measuring instruments. The differences in cross-cultural adjustment and job satisfaction between NETs who reported with high job satisfaction and those who reported with low job satisfaction were then examined in a sample of the 10 selected NETs, 5 from the high satisfaction group and 5 from the low satisfaction group, by the qualitative interpretations of the face-to-face semi-structured interviews which were designed on the basis of the survey.

A survey of 150 NETs indicated that all factors in the conceptual framework were significantly related to NETs’ cross-cultural adjustment, stress and job satisfaction. Selection mechanism and criteria, neuroticism and role ambiguity were the predictors of work adjustment. Extraversion was positively related to and conscientiousness was negatively related to interaction adjustment. Previous overseas living experience, extraversion and culture novelty were positively related to general adjustment. Neuroticism and culture novelty were the predictors of cultural stress. Previous overseas teaching experience, role ambiguity and role conflict were significantly related to organisational stress. Work adjustment, general adjustment and organisational stress were the key predictors of job satisfaction. The interviews of the NETs confirmed the survey results and revealed that the NETs who were highly satisfied and those who were not satisfied with their jobs experienced considerable difference in terms of job characteristics, job content and work context. This study provided an important reference for all stakeholders to better prepare the NETs and to maximise the effectiveness of the NET Scheme in Hong Kong.