Abstract
This study investigates the impact of work-related support sources on repatriation adjustment of academics in Sri Lankan state universities using the organizational support theory rooted in the Social Exchange Theory (SET). The study used academic staff from state universities who had returned to Sri Lanka upon completing postgraduate studies overseas during the period of 2017 to 2023 as the sample. Results indicate that perceived supervisor support significantly impacts the repatriation adjustment of these academics in Sri Lankan universities. However, perceived organizational support and perceived co-worker support do not significantly affect repatriation adjustment. The study comprehensively explains the role of work-related support sources in the repatriation adjustment of academics in Sri Lanka. The findings of the study provide implications for state-owned academic institutions in managing repatriation adjustment by signifying the facilitating role of respective Heads of Departments in supporting repatriation adjustments.