This study explores Chinese early career returnee academics' motivations for writing and publishing in English. Utilizing ecological systems theory, the findings show that the microsystem is reflected in the early career returnee academics' interaction with collaborators, while national policies constitute the exosystem. The academic culture has a noteworthy impact at the macrosystem level. This study contributes to the understanding of early career returnee academics' motivations to write and publish in English, which will assist policymakers and university administrators to create a more beneficial environment to promote the accomplishments of academic returnees.

Xiantong Zhao, Xu Liu, Shan Yan