Budding relationships: formal global buddy programs can help ease the transition for expatriates and improve retention and productivity

HR Magazine, June, 2005 by Eric Krell

An expatriate's personal development plan might include attending a relevant national trade conference in the host country. And the expatriate may receive bonuses for making a presentation at the national conference or even for volunteering as a recreational athletic coach in the country.

The payoff is a big one.

"Sixty-five percent of our business and a higher percentage of our profits come from outside the United States," Torma says. "This is survival for me."

ERIC KRELL IS A BUSINESS WRITER BASED IN AUSTIN, TEXAS, WHO COVERS HR AND FINANCE ISSUES.