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Globalization
and the opening of formerly closed markets have created rich
opportunities for many companies. Research, however, shows that failure
rates for overseas postings can be as high as 70%, but usually run about
15 to 25%. (McKinsey Quarterly, 1999, Number 3, pp 70-83)
Whether
a company takes an ethnocentric approach, a polycentric approach, or a
geocentric approach to meet its global strategy, the top three reasons
for failure for American expatriate managers are:
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Spouse cannot adjust
culturally
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Manager cannot adjust
culturally
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Other family adjustment
problems
So, what support
services can human resources provide for incoming and outgoing
expatriate employees, both in pre-departure and on-site training?
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Cultural
training:
BEI provides knowledge, skills
and opportunities for attitude change through its cross-cultural
awareness program. Drawing from recognized programs such as Culture
Bumps and with access to a group of highly trained international
consultants we can provide you and your employees with interactive
activities and fact sheets to make your relocation go more smoothly.
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Language training:
BEI offers
foreign language and
English as a Second Language programs to corporate employees either on-site at BEI or at your
site.
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Seminars and Local
resources:
The gateway city
of Houston offers
a
myriad of opportunities to
explore cultural issues that affect expatriates.
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