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Intercultural training for Taiwanese business expatriates

Tien‐Chen Chien (Independent Consultant based in Stockbridge, Georgia, USA)

Industrial and Commercial Training

ISSN: 0019-7858

Article publication date: 13 April 2012

1678

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to focus on intercultural training for Taiwanese expatriates and assess the gap between intercultural training needs perceived by Taiwanese expatriates and the training provided by their companies.

Design/methodology/approach

This study surveyed both Taiwanese expatriates and HR managers of their companies. It developed a questionnaire based on the research of Black and Mendenhall to assess contents and methods of intercultural training. There were 16 questions for assessing intercultural training and they were divided into two categories: symbolic learning and participatory learning.

Findings

It is found that the needs of intercultural training perceived by expatriates are generally higher than the training provided by their companies. In the categories of symbolic and participatory learning, findings are consistent with the overall items. Results indicate that the perceived intercultural training needs of both categories are significantly higher than the training provided by their companies. Items of participatory learning are rated higher than those of symbolic learning by both groups.

Originality/value

Coping with the increasing competition in the international arena, Taiwanese business people are in need of being able to work effectively with people from a diversity of countries and cultures. It is necessary to study issues related to intercultural training for business expatriates. Findings in this area can be helpful for human resource practitioners in developing training programs for their business expatriates.

Keywords

Citation

Chien, T. (2012), "Intercultural training for Taiwanese business expatriates", Industrial and Commercial Training, Vol. 44 No. 3, pp. 164-170. https://doi.org/10.1108/00197851211216772

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2012, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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