How would you prepare a team of three managers to go to Warsaw, Poland, to oversee the operations of a recently acquired financial services firm? They will be leaving in one month, and the assignment lasts two years.

Answer: To prepare employees for cross-cultural assignments, companies need to provide cross-cultural preparation. To succeed overseas, expatriates (employees on foreign assignments) need to be:

• • Competent in their areas of expertise
  • Able to communicate verbally and nonverbally in the host country
  • Flexible, tolerant of ambiguity, and sensitive to cultural differences
  • Motivated to succeed, able to enjoy the challenge of working in other countries, and willing to learn about the host country’s culture, language, and customs
  • Supported by their families

Cross-cultural preparation involves three phases: predeparture, on-site, and repatriation (preparing to return home). Before departure, employees need to receive language training and training focused on the new country’s culture and customs. Expatriates and their families need information about housing, schools, recreation, shopping, and health care facilities in the areas where they will live.Expatriates also must discuss with their managers how the foreign assignment fits into their career plans and what types of positions they can expect upon their return.

On-site training involves continued orientation to the host country and its customs and cultures through formal programs or through a mentoring relationship. Expatriates and their families may be paired with an employee from the host country, who helps them understand the new, unfamiliar work environment and community. (p. 437-440)