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Article
Publication date: 1 August 2008

A Ahad M. Osman‐Gani and Akmal S. Hyder

With increasing interest in overseas business expansion, particularly in the Asia‐Pacific region, expatriate management, including repatriation readjustmenst, has become a…

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Abstract

Purpose

With increasing interest in overseas business expansion, particularly in the Asia‐Pacific region, expatriate management, including repatriation readjustmenst, has become a critical international human resource development (HRD) issue for multinational enterprises (MNEs). This empirical study therefore aims to investigate the use of HRD interventions relating to training and development for effective readjustment of international managers on repatriation.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected through a field survey conducted on repatriation experience of international managers from more than five countries, who are working in Singapore.

Findings

The study provides valuable insights about repatriation training programmes, training contents, programme duration, delivery modes, and providers of effective training programmes.

Research limitations/implications

HRD professionals and senior executives of MNEs will benefit from the findings of this study in making decisions on effective design and implementation of training and career development programmes.

Practical implications

The findings have significant implications for career development of managers involved in international business operations.

Originality/value

This paper discusses readjustment problems of the repatriating managers and suggests how realistic HRD programmes, mainly based on training, can be developed and implemented for retaining international managers. These findings from the dynamic region of Asia will also help in developing appropriate career development programmes.

Details

Career Development International, vol. 13 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1362-0436

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 October 2001

Abdullah Al‐Salamah and Rodney Wilson

Outlines the role of the Saudi Arabian Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) in Saudi economy policy: chiefly industralisation through joint ventures with foreign multinationals…

Abstract

Outlines the role of the Saudi Arabian Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) in Saudi economy policy: chiefly industralisation through joint ventures with foreign multinationals. Reports a 1993 survey of 312 SABIC employees divided into Saudi nationals, expatriates from developed countries and those from developing countries. Compares their educational and employment levels, family attitudes towards their jobs and the provision and take‐up of training; and finds significant dissatisfaction with SABIC’s training policy and the skills acquired. Considers the importance of salary levels, the implications of pay and promotion differentials between the groups and the likely impact of giving higher pay rises to the Saudis. Discusses the attitudes of the three groups towards management decision‐making, job termination/transfer proceedings, holidays, working hours, shift scheduling, working conditions and safety.

Details

Managerial Finance, vol. 27 no. 10/11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0307-4358

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 May 2021

Muhammad Umar Nadeem, Rosli Mohammed, Syarizan Dalib and Samavia Mumtaz

The purpose of this study is to highlight the importance of intercultural communication competence (ICC) of international students living in Malaysia. This study considered the…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to highlight the importance of intercultural communication competence (ICC) of international students living in Malaysia. This study considered the culture-general factors of integrated model of ICC (IMICC) established from the West with an addition of empathy and further addressed these influencers on the international students from a Malaysian university. It is proposed that empathy, sensation seeking, ethnocentrism, attitude and motivation have a direct influence on ICC.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative research methodology was considered to address the relationship between the variables of this study. Data were collected through a survey by visiting different parts of the university campus. A total of 388 international students took part in the study voluntarily. Data were analysed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) and structural equation modeling-analysis of a moment structures (SEM-AMOS).

Findings

The findings revealed that empathy, sensation seeking and attitude are the antecedents of ICC. However, ethnocentrism and motivation do not influence ICC significantly.

Originality/value

Through the findings of this study, a series of training sessions can be conducted by Malaysia (host country training) and sender countries (home country training) to educate international students regarding ICC. Furthermore, ministry of higher education (MoHE) Malaysia and higher education institutes (HEIs) can improve their infrastructure and services in terms of hosting and accommodating more international students by considering the findings of this study. These approaches could help international students to adjust in a new cultural setting of Malaysia.

Details

Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, vol. 14 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2050-7003

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 August 2018

Theophilus Azungah, Snejina Michailova and Kate Hutchings

Despite the growing economic importance of Africa, the region has received scant attention in the international human resource management literature. The purpose of this paper is…

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Abstract

Purpose

Despite the growing economic importance of Africa, the region has received scant attention in the international human resource management literature. The purpose of this paper is to address the gap in examining human resource management (HRM) practices in Western multinational enterprises’ (MNEs) subsidiary operations in Ghana, which is a significant foreign direct investment market in Africa. Focusing on recruitment and selection, training and development, performance management, and rewards management viewed through the ability, motivation and opportunity (AMO) framework, the research emphasizes that effectiveness of the MNEs’ cross-cultural operations has necessitated embracing localization across a range of practices in accordance with the Ghanaian cultural landscape and specificities.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on 37 in-depth interviews with managers and employees in eight subsidiaries of British, European and US MNEs in Ghana. Interviews were conducted in 2015 in three locations – the capital city Accra, Tema (in the south) and Tamale (in the north).

Findings

The research reinforces earlier literature emphasizing the importance of paternalism and family and to a lesser extent patronage, but presents new findings in highlighting the erstwhile unexplored role of local chiefs in influencing HRM practices in Western MNEs in Ghana. Utilizing the AMO framework, this paper highlights practices within each HR area that influences performance through impact on employee AMO.

Practical implications

The research informs MNE managers about the strategic importance of observing local cultural practices and designing appropriate strategies for ensuring both operational effectiveness and successful cross-cultural collaboration with local managers and employees in Ghana. It is suggested that if managers implement practices that foster and enhance employee AMO, subsidiaries may benefit from employee potential and discretionary judgment.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to a dearth of literature on HRM practices of Western MNEs’ subsidiaries in Africa by examining the extent to which MNEs strategically localize their practices to accommodate specificities of the host country cultural context and operate successfully.

Details

Cross Cultural & Strategic Management, vol. 25 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2059-5794

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 1999

Thomas S. Barker and Steven L. Cobb

In an increasingly global business environment, the interaction of people with different cultural and ethical norms requires that multinational corporations consider these…

Abstract

In an increasingly global business environment, the interaction of people with different cultural and ethical norms requires that multinational corporations consider these differences in addressing the concerns of stakeholders at home and abroad. This article examines the cultural and ethical issues facing MNCs in developing an international code of ethics and training expatriate managers.

Details

Competitiveness Review: An International Business Journal, vol. 9 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1059-5422

Article
Publication date: 7 May 2020

Susan Shortland and Christine Porter

The purpose of this study is to examine what job-related training interventions female expatriates seek and can access in order to build necessary knowledge and skills to progress…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine what job-related training interventions female expatriates seek and can access in order to build necessary knowledge and skills to progress into further career-enhancing expatriate positions.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a cross-sectional qualitative research approach, drawing upon semi-structured interviews in respect of organisational training practice with 26 current female expatriates and nine human resource, international assignments and training managers in two oil and gas exploration firms.

Findings

Budgets, time and travel restrictions and competitive business pressures constrain on-the-job training provision for expatriates. Assignees require specific knowledge and skills ahead of appointment to subsequent expatriate positions. HR personnel believe training provides appropriate knowledge and capability development, supporting women expatriates' career ambitions. Women assignees view training available within their current roles as insufficient or irrelevant to building human capital for future expatriate posts.

Research limitations/implications

Longitudinal research across a wider spectrum of industries is needed to help understand the effects of training interventions on women's access to future career-enhancing expatriation and senior management/leadership positions.

Practical implications

Organisations should ensure relevant technical skills training, clear responsibility for training provision, transparent and fair training allocation, positive communication regarding human capital outcomes and an inclusive culture that promotes expatriate gender diversity.

Originality/value

Set within the framework of human capital theory, this study identifies the challenges that female expatriates experience when seeking relevant job-related training to further their expatriate careers. It identifies clear mismatches between the views of HR and female assignees in relation to the value of job-related training offered and women's access to it.

Details

Journal of Global Mobility: The Home of Expatriate Management Research, vol. 8 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2049-8799

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 July 2010

Marcia Taylor and Dori Finley

Managers of US resorts are using H2B and J‐1 guest workers to fill seasonal labor needs. Acculturation and assimilation of international workers has a major impact on service and…

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Abstract

Purpose

Managers of US resorts are using H2B and J‐1 guest workers to fill seasonal labor needs. Acculturation and assimilation of international workers has a major impact on service and customer satisfaction in resorts. The purpose of this paper is to identify the methods used by resorts to successfully acculturate, assimilate, and retain international workers.

Design/methodology/approach

The case study method was used. Semi‐structured telephone interviews were conducted with HR directors of six seasonal resorts that hired H2B and J‐1 workers. Content analysis of the interviews was used to generate acculturation, assimilation, and retention practices at the resorts.

Findings

Results from this paper indicate that techniques for acculturation of guest workers are informal and occur on‐the‐job while assimilation techniques are more formal. Retention strategies varied by resort. Differences are found between the techniques used in these resorts and those used in seasonal restaurants.

Research limitations/implications

The sample size is limited to those HR directors agreeing to participate. Given the current economic situation and job market, many HR directors are hesitant to share information about their international workers.

Practical implications

A comprehensive assimilation, acculturation, and retention program for seasonal workers is proposed.

Originality/value

No research is found on the ways to successfully assimilate international workers to a resort's culture and acculturate them in the US culture. The results of this paper will give HR directors a guide on how to assimilate international workers in their workforce.

Details

International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, vol. 22 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-6119

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 April 2021

Rizwan Tahir

This study aims to empirically explore how mentoring can help Western expatriates before, during and after the overseas assignment in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to empirically explore how mentoring can help Western expatriates before, during and after the overseas assignment in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative study is built on 20 in-depth interviews with Western expatriates currently working and living in the UAE.

Findings

This study demonstrates that expatriate mentoring is an important area largely unexplored in the literature. The results establish that host-country mentors are fundamentally responsible for helping expatriates to develop common problem-focused coping tactics, whereas home-country mentors predominantly address emotionally focused coping tactics during the pre-departure and repatriation phase of the expatriation process.

Research limitations/implications

Over 30 years’ worth of research literature was searched within the following major databases: ABI/INFORM, ERIC and PsycINFO. These databases contained articles, mainly in English, of limited scope, i.e. more academic than practical. This may have led to the omission of some expatriate mentoring approaches applied in practice by human resources managers, especially in countries where English is not the first language.

Practical implications

Mentors in both the host and home countries are crucial in assisting and supporting expatriates in developing constructive coping strategies that enhance the likelihood of a successful expatriation experience.

Originality/value

There is insufficient research in expatriate mentoring, which this study aims to address by focusing on Western expatriates in the UAE, a vibrant Arab, Muslim country whose local business environment is very different from that of China, Europe and the USA, which have been the main focus of prior research.

Details

Journal of Workplace Learning, vol. 33 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1366-5626

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 May 1990

James B. Lee and Richard L. Schwaller

Designing management education and development programmes fordeveloping countries raises difficult questions concerning the role ofthe local culture in the content of the…

Abstract

Designing management education and development programmes for developing countries raises difficult questions concerning the role of the local culture in the content of the programmes. This issue is examined in the content of the Indonesian culture. The results of a survey of technical managers lead to recommendations and provide first‐hand commentary.

Details

Journal of Management Development, vol. 9 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0262-1711

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 21 June 2014

Kaisa Hinkkainen

An investigation of parallels between homegrown, international, and domestic terrorism.

Abstract

Purpose

An investigation of parallels between homegrown, international, and domestic terrorism.

Methodology/approach

A comparative method is used to analyze data from two main sources, ITERATE data on international and the TWEED data on domestic terrorism. The similarities are tested in various dimensions – target types, severity, and the method of the attacks.

Findings

Homegrown terrorism is inherently motivated by domestic issues. Moreover, variables of ethnic heterogeneity, political inclusiveness of fringe groups, and problems in the democratization process are good predictors of the occurrence of other forms of domestic and homegrown terrorism alike.

Research limitations/implications

Number of observable cases of homegrown terrorism are low. The two main datasets have potentially overlapping incidents.

Originality/value

Provides and operational definition of homegrown terrorism and test empirically the similarity between homegrown and other types of terrorisms.

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