Corporations have tried to successfully keep managers in overseas positions and to fulfill their agreed period of time in that position. While most believe this issue may deserve attention, between 18,000 to 45,000 expatriates enter overseas agreements each year (Fox news Latino, 2013). New expatriates have no idea what to expect in their host country. In recent years, researchers have tried to quantify the extreme high failure rate of expatriates in their new assignment and culture they find themselves in; the utter loneliness they so often encounter is an offshoot of the new experience overseas. We will examine important points that may aid in the successful completion of an expatriates assignment and suggest better and ultimately cheap remedies enabling expatriate managers to conclude a successful overseas assignment. Complex problems may be served with surprisingly simple support systems.
WHAT FUNDAMENTALS ARE NEEDED FOR EXPATRIATE ASSIGNMENTS? 3
An Examination with Suggestions
Host Country Nations (HCN’s) offer a life changing experience for every expatriate and their family. Neither professional examinations nor matchmaking have been able to produce those who successfully complete their overseas assignment. There was once a young soldier who expected to see Nazi tanks deep in the ground, buildings in rubble, homeless people walking and searching for food when he arrived in Germany in the 1970’s. He even carried chocolate bars to hand out. Fear had blinded him to the beauty and splendor of West Germany. He was ultimately promoted more than his peers. His desire to learn and understand his new environment aided him while support structures kept him focused on those goals and family he wanted to keep close to him. With an estimated 18,000 to 45,000 Americans becoming expatriates each year, reducing the 40% to 50% failure of assignments may seem impossible (Reish, et al, 2011! Those who work in developing countries witness a 70% attrition rate. (Copeland, et al., 1985) This too, has tremendous room for improvement.
If there is an allowable rate of 10% that turn out to be fired for underperforming, then the revised numbers simply look sickly. There are an estimated 4 to 6 million expatriates (expats) living overseas at any given time. (Usumier, et al., 1999) Using modest figures, we reveal an expat attitude of “I want to go home” at the rate of 1,200,000 expatriates per year. This most horrid figure is begging for an answer and solution. Imagine leaving your local airport, bound for an overseas assignment. No one has spent time with you. You can remember what you have seen on TV. Scenes from Combat show severe destruction in Germany. Or, you feel warm, anticipating beauty or the charms of a welcoming city. You have left your home, your nest. You will learn what it takes work in a new environment on your own-the hard way.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main topic of the text?
The text discusses the challenges and high failure rates associated with expatriate assignments, emphasizing the need for better preparation and support for individuals working overseas.
What are the statistics mentioned regarding expatriate assignments?
The text cites statistics indicating a 40% to 50% failure rate for expatriate assignments overall, and a 70% attrition rate in developing countries. It also estimates that around 1,200,000 expatriates per year express a desire to return home.
What factors contribute to the failure of expatriate assignments?
Lack of preparation, inadequate introduction to the host country's language and culture, unrealistic expectations, and insufficient support structures are identified as contributing factors to the failure of expatriate assignments.
What example is given to illustrate the importance of understanding the new environment?
The text provides the example of a young soldier who went to Germany in the 1970s expecting to see destruction and hardship, but instead found beauty and prosperity. The soldier's willingness to learn and understand his new environment contributed to his success.
How many employers provide adequate preparation for expatriate assignments?
The text states that less than 20% of employers provide even a cursory introduction to the upcoming assignment.
What is the core problem the text identifies?
The core problem identified is the high number of expatriates who are unhappy or unsuccessful in their assignments, highlighting a need for significant improvement in how companies prepare and support their employees working abroad.
- Quote paper
- Paul Yates (Author), 2013, Fundamental Supports Needed for Successful Expatriate Assignments, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/265710
