Specific Cross Culture Training Techniques

Cross-Cultural Training: A guided experience that helps people live and work in foreign cultures.

Documentary programs familiarize the expatriate with assignment destination. Culture assimilator exposes the expatriate to simulated intercultural incidents and situations. Language instruction builds the expatriate’s conversational skills in a foreign language. Sensitivity training provides experiential exercises to teach expatriates to be aware of the impact of their actions on others in another culture. Field experiences provide firsthand exposure to ethnic subcultures that heightens expatriates’ cultural awareness.

Is One Technique Better Than Another?

A combination of documentary and interpersonal training is the best combination for expatriates.

An Integrated Expatriate Staffing System

Provide orientation for both expatriate and family. Have family sponsors or assigned mentors available at the foreign assignment. Repatriation is an importance part of the entire foreign assignment experience.

What About North American Women on Foreign Assignments?

Women are above-average in being successful in foreign assignments. Strongest barriers to foreign assignments have been self-disqualification and the prejudice of home country managers. Culture is a bigger hurdle than gender: Women on foreign assignments are seen as North Americans first, then as women.

Relying on Local Management

Advantages of Using Foreign Nationals

They know the language and culture. They do not require huge location expenses. Host governments favor more local control.

Disadvantage

Local managers may not be attuned to home-office goals and procedures.