AbstractThis paper advances the ideas that host country nationals, i.e., patriates, constitute an important part of the social environment of an expatriate. Social network theory is used to provide a framework from which to examine expatriate-patriate relationships on the individual, dyad, and group levels. Specifically, it is proposed that expatriate-patriate links, as well as characteristics of the social group in which the expatriate exists, contribute to expatriate effectiveness through their help with shaping work and nonwork networks of information and contacts. It is also recommended that where appropriate, patriate expertise be incorporated into human resource decisions related to the expatriation process. Suggestions on how to accomplish this integration are also offered.