Examine the Concept of Expatriate Selection in regards to the Success and Failure of the Company A Case Study
Key Learning Outcomes
By the end of the case, students should be able to:
- Understand the meaning of expatriate selection and its significance to an organization
- Understand how expatriate selection is used in the course of businesses and how it helps companies remain competitive in the business world
- Learn how to apply the concept of expatriate selection in an organization
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Expatriate selection is the process of choosing and preparing employees to work in a foreign country. It is a crucial aspect of international human resource management, as it can have a significant impact on the performance and outcomes of the company. Expatriate selection involves not only assessing the technical and professional skills of the candidates, but also their cross-cultural competencies, personality traits, language abilities, and motivation to adapt to a new environment. This essay examines the concept of expatriate selection and how it contributes to organizational growth. Key questions answered in this essay include; what is expatriate selection explain? What are the factors for successful expatriate selection? What are the five 5 factors in expatriate selection?
The concept of expatriate selection is important to examine because it can determine the success or failure of the company's global operations. According to some studies, expatriate failure rates can range from 25% to 40%, depending on the region and industry (Tung, 1981; Black & Gregersen, 1999; Harzing, 2002). Expatriate failure refers to the premature return of the employee to the home country, or the inability to achieve the expected goals and objectives in the host country. Expatriate failure can result in significant financial losses, reputational damage, loss of market share, and reduced employee morale for the company.
Therefore, it is essential for the company to adopt effective expatriate selection strategies that can enhance the fit between the employee and the assignment, and reduce the risk of expatriate failure.
Some of these strategies include:
- Conducting a thorough job analysis and defining clear criteria for expatriate selection
- Using multiple methods and sources of information to evaluate the candidates' suitability for the assignment
- Providing realistic previews and pre-departure training to prepare the candidates for the challenges and opportunities in the host country
- Involving the candidates' families and spouses in the selection and preparation process
- Offering attractive compensation and benefits packages that reflect the cost and quality of living in the host country
- Providing ongoing support and feedback to the expatriates during and after the assignment
By examining the concept of expatriate selection, we can understand how it can influence the success and failure of the company in a global context. Expatriate selection is not a one-time event, but a continuous process that requires careful planning, implementation, and evaluation. By selecting and preparing expatriates who can perform effectively and efficiently in different cultural settings, the company can gain a competitive advantage and achieve its strategic goals.