Effective Expatriate Selection and Cross-cultural Assistance Procedures for Mncs: a Systematic, Integrative Approach

Inadequate expatriate selection and cross-cultural preparation are the main causes of failed international assignments (IAs). To help MNCs optimize their practices, the book outlines a theoretically sound, but yet practical framework of effective expatriate selection and training which incorporates culture novelty, degree of interaction with HCNs, and novelty of the overseas job as contingency factors that allow MNCs to tailor their activities to their specific IAs. The first part demonstrates how to use the contingency factors to determine the requirements of an IA, presents a set of validated selection criteria, and provides a guideline for developing a selection process that effectively identifies candidates matching these requirements. Thereupon, the second part outlines a concept for designing intercultural training programs that provide future expatriate families with the additional KSAs required for being successful in the foreign location. It is demonstrated how to identify training needs and how to deduce suitable training contents, delivery methods, duration, and timing. A compact flow chart for HR managers finally summarizes the framework`s key aspects on a single page.