DQ
Please select ONE of the Two questions below to answer:
- Assume that you’ve started to expand your company’s operations into India and China. This is the first time that your company is “going international.” Should the HR department recommend the company use an ethonocentric or polycentric staffing approach
- In addition to having good technical skills, what other skills should an expatriate have in order to be successful in an international assignment?
R
Expatriate Skills
An expatriate is someone who is sent by their organization to a foreign country to work for a certain period of time. For an expatriate to be successful in an international assignment, it is important to have more than just technical skills. An expatriate needs to be culturally aware, open-minded and possess strong communication skills in order to navigate their new environment and ensure a successful assignment (Granados, 2019).
Cultural awareness is a key component of success for an expatriate. Having an understanding of the host country’s culture, customs, and values will enable them to better integrate into their new environment and make the necessary adjustments(Goudswaard, 2020). Being open-minded and non-judgmental is essential in order to effectively bridge cultural differences and form effective relationships with colleagues and customers. It is also necessary for expatriates to have a basic understanding of the language of their host country in order to facilitate communication and avoid potential misunderstandings.
Strong communication skills are also important for an expatriate in an international assignment (Granados, 2019). Being able to express oneself clearly and effectively is important for building relationships with colleagues and customers, as well as fostering trust and understanding. Additionally, expatriates should be able to listen attentively and understand the nuances of the language and culture. This will help them to better understand the needs and wants of their colleagues, as well as to effectively convey their own ideas and opinions.
In addition to these soft skills, expatriates should also have the ability to handle stress and be flexible (Goudswaard, 2020). International assignments can be stressful and unpredictable, so having the ability to adapt to changing situations and remain calm in a crisis is essential. Additionally, expatriates should be able to work independently and have a sense of adventure in order to be successful in their international assignment.
Overall, having good technical skills is important for any expatriate, but it is also important to have the necessary soft skills to be successful in an international assignment. Cultural awareness, strong communication skills, stress management, flexibility and a sense of adventure are all important qualities for any expatriate to have in order to ensure a successful and enjoyable international assignment (Granados, 2019).
References:
Goudswaard, R. (2020). 10 Essential Skills for a Successful International Assignment.
Granados, L. (2019). 5 Soft Skills for Expatriates to Succeed in an International Assignment.