Preparing yourself for an international assignment: a few simple steps can help make the overseas assignment a successful one for the manager as well as the firm - includes outline of stages of preparation - includes bibliography

Business Horizons, Jan-Feb, 1994 by Howard Tu, Sherry E. Sullivan

Learn the Language and Etiquette of Your Host Country

Most universities offer extensive weekend courses that will permit you to learn the basics of a given language in a short period of time. Shop around for a language course that goes beyond traditional language training to include information on nonverbal behaviors and business etiquette.

An understanding of nonverbal communications will help you avoid costly errors and aid in your analysis of business transactions. For example, in the U.S. we tend to rely heavily on the spoken word. However, in cultures such as Japan, China, and the Middle East, less emphasis is placed on verbal communication. In these cultures, the external environment, situation, and nonverbal behavior are crucial for understanding communications. Failing to understand the importance of nonverbal and environmental cues can reduce an expatriate's effectiveness.

Etiquette differs from country to country. For instance, although the French, Germans, British, and Italians will discuss the general details of business over lunch, the Swiss instead use the time to strengthen relationships and do not discuss business. A knowledge of verbal, nonverbal, and business etiquette helps expatriates avoid embarrassing themselves or offending their hosts.

Before departing for your international assignment you should at least have a basic knowledge of:

* acceptable greetings and the accompanying body language (bow, handshake, smile);

* the proper use of business cards;

* the country's dress code;

* the country's concept of time;

* proper dining manners;

* gift giving protocol; and

* religious and political taboos.

Develop an Awareness of Other Cultures and Value Systems

Many companies don't train individuals for international assignments because they believe, "If you're effective in New York, you'll be effective in Hong Kong." This is a myth. Although excellent technical skills are a must, expatriate managers must also be able to work with diverse groups--including foreign governments, labor organizations, and foreign employees of subsidiaries. To work with these diverse groups, they must recognize and accept business and societal norms quite different from their own.

Most universities and continuing education programs now offer courses on international business that can help you develop an awareness of different value systems and beliefs. Which courses are the best to take? There are two basic types. First, you may wish to take courses that provide simulation training. Because these courses focus on increasing awareness and are not geared to a specific country, they can be taken before you have been assigned to a specific location. In these programs, trainees are presented with a number of short vignettes about international situations and are asked to role-play their reactions to these situations. Their responses are judged by a panel of experts, including expatriates. These exercises will help you learn how to interact with people of other cultures. Additionally, they will provide you with models of appropriate and inappropriate behaviors. Because simulation exercises permit you to see and practice correct behaviors, they aid in the development of self-confidence.