Title: Does expatriates' cross-cultural psychological capital mediate the link between ethical organisational climate and turnover intention? A generational cohort comparison

Authors: Amina Amari; Sarra Berraies; Mahrane Hofaidhllaoui

Addresses: Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia ' Higher Institute of Management of Tunis, Research Laboratory ARBRE, University of Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia ' ESSCA School of Management, Paris, Lyon, France

Abstract: This study contributes to the literature by investigating the link between Ethical Organisational Climate (EOC) and Turnover Intention (TI) among expatriates that lack empirical research in the expatriation context. In particular, it examines the Cross-Cultural Psychological Capital (CCPsyCap)'s mediating effect between EOC and TI and explores the moderating role of expatriates' age between EOC and CCPsyCap. Data were collected from 307 expatriates from the Middle East and North Africa region, working in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), and analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling. Findings demonstrate that CCPsyCap partially mediates the relationship between EOC and expatriates' TI. The results revealed that the link between EOC and CCPsyCap is stronger for Generation Y expatriates than for baby boomers.

Keywords: ethical organisational climate; cross-cultural psychological capital; turnover intention; expatriation; expatriates' age; partial least squares.

DOI: 10.1504/EJIM.2026.153179

European Journal of International Management, 2026 Vol.29 No.1, pp.22 - 47

Received: 28 Nov 2021
Accepted: 26 Apr 2022
Published online: 29 Apr 2026 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article