IHRM Chapter 7

Question 1

Why are expatriates considered trainers?

Answer 1

• they transfer knowledge and development of tools in various units
• expected to assist the MNE to train and develop HCNs
• expected to ensure systems and processes are adopted and engaging

Question 2

Job rotation for expatriates

Answer 2

• employees gain a broader perspective in different fields

Question 3

Pre-departure training

Answer 3

• prepares expatriates and their families for international assignments

Question 4

Internal hires

Answer 4

• MNEs are selected from existing operations and some might be hired externally for international assignments

Question 5

Cross-cultural awareness programs

Answer 5

• a well-designed program to show appreciation and help expatriates behave accordingly

Question 6

What are some categories of pre-departure training?

Answer 6

• environmental briefing
• cultural orientation
• cultural assimilators
• language training
  -sensitivity training and field experiences

Question 7

What are the three dimensions of the CCT model?

Answer 7

• training methods
• levels of training
• duration of training relative to the interaction and culture

Question 8

What is the purpose of preliminary visits?

Answer 8

• to provide a preview of the assignment in the country
• introduces them to the business context
• encourages pre-departure training
• better settlement in the country

Question 9

Host country language skills and adjustment

Answer 9

• being able to speak a foreign language helps expatriates negotiate better
• managers gain information regarding the host country’s economy, market, and government

Question 10

Knowledge of the corporate language

Answer 10

• better communication with HQ
• offers power to their position because they have access to information that others won’t

Question 11

Practical Assistance

Answer 11

• support the expatriate before and after the assignment
• includes preparing visas, shipping goods, baggage, allowances
• on assignment practical support includes language training and filling out taxes
• multinationals will use this approach to help expatriate children in relocating schools

Question 12

Security briefings

Answer 12

• explain evacuation plans, risks to economy, travel accidents, tracking systems, natural disasters

Question 13

Short term and non standard assignments

Answer 13

• receive little to no preparation for departure
• due to lack of time which is a standard reason for non-provision of pre-departure training

Question 14

International Cadre

Answer 14

• a group of high potential employees who are selected for training to enable the MNE to expand international operations

Question 15

Benefits of developing international teams

Answer 15

• improves innovation
• transfer of knowledge
• increasing horizontal communication
• diverse inputs towards decision making and problem solving
• develop global perspective
• develop shared values

Question 16

What is repatriation?

Answer 16

• the commitment to bringing the expatriate back to the home country

Question 17

Challenges to repatriation

Answer 17

• re-entry shock or reverse culture shock, that is, finding it difficult to adjust to their usual habits

Question 18

Metacognitive intelligence

Answer 18

• mental processes that individuals used to acquire cultural knowledge and control
• it’s not just about facts but seeing the bigger picture

Question 19

Cognitive intelligence

Answer 19

• knowledge of the norms, practices and conventions in different cultures from education and personal experiences

Question 20

Motivational intelligence

Answer 20

• direct your attention towards learning about situations characterized by cultural differences

Question 21

Behavioural intelligence

Answer 21

• attain verbal and nonverbal actions when interacting with people in different cultures

Question 22

Reasons for repatriation

Answer 22

• expat completed the assignment
• expat wants their children educated in the home country
• inability to cope
• spouse couldn’t cope
• changes in the environment
• reassigned to another assignment

Question 23

Problems with repatriation

Answer 23

• stress
• reverse culture shock
• spouse’s career gap
• lack of recognition of expat’s experience
• loss of status and pay

Question 24

How to repatriate successfully

Answer 24

• bring expats back during breaks
• counselling
• assist spouse with re-entry jobs
• reduce stress
• reduce turnover