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

Second, you may wish to take a course that provides you with information about a particular country's geography, sociopolitical history, stage of economic development, and cultural institutions. This type of course will dispel stereotypes and increase empathy. For example, some of these programs begin with a training exercise called BaFa BaFa. In this exercise, two teams try to trade with each other without knowing the negotiation rules. Most participants in this exercise make inaccurate attributions about the other team's behaviors and motives. This exercise encourages trainees to reserve judgment about other cultures until they have more information.

In addition to taking courses, it is helpful to meet with foreign nationals and expatriate managers. These individuals can give you first-hand information about your host country. They can provide you with valuable information about local customs, business practices and ethics, and common mistakes made by visiting foreigners. Expatriates can also share with you some of the pitfalls and opportunities of working abroad.

Develop Stress Management Techniques

Expatriates often experience disillusionment and culture shock. Most people find it difficult to adjust to a culture that seems very alien. Unfamiliarity with local practices and the inability to speak the language are usually sources of embarrassment and anxiety for new expatriates. Additionally, expatriates often encounter situations they do not understand or that they believe to be ethically incorrect. For instance, many expatriates are distressed by the extreme poverty in some developing nations, especially in comparison to their own relatively lavish accommodations.

Almost every part of your life will change while you are on an international assignment. You will need to relocate and establish new work relationships. Simple daily tasks, such as grocery shopping or commuting to the office, may become frustrating and difficult. Even if you hire people to perform these tasks, you may be uncomfortable managing a household staff. Stress management training can help you cope with the uncertainty of an international assignment.

Some common techniques that have been used by expatriate managers for coping with stress include:

* regular physical exercise;

* meditation and relaxation techniques;

* expressing anger and frustration in a diary rather than to host country nationals;

* checking into a home country hotel for the weekend;

* going to an international club and only speaking with people from one's home country;

* watching videos in one's native language;

* focusing limited energy only on the most important tasks.

Include Your Spouse in Your Training Program

Many expatriate assignments terminate early because of the spouse's inability to adapt. Spouses are vital to the success of an international assignment because they may be the most important source of social support to the worker. Therefore, your spouse should have a training program similar to your own. By becoming culturally aware and learning the language and customs of the host country, your spouse is less likely to feel socially isolated and will be better able to help you cope with the demands of your new assignment.