Effects of cross-cultural training on expatriate adjustment and performance. Case study: Company (The writer can choose which Global Multi-National Company with CURRENT DATA – old data is NOT acceptable)
With reference to the models and theories, RECENT researches and studies,
-critically analyse and evaluate the CURRENT global HRM issue: Effects of cross-cultural training on expatriate adjustment and performance within a particular organization (The writer can choose which Global Multi-National Company).
Note: RECENT SOURCES ARE KEY in this assignment.
-Discuss and analyse: Does cross-cultural training help in assisting adjustment and performance? Consider why/why not?
Please put as many references as possible (MINIMUM 20) from RECENT publications, mostly academic journals. (Harvard style)
You are required to write 2500 WORDS REPORT, which draws on relevant recent readings and ideas, and have the following structure:
Title: Effects of cross-cultural training on expatriate adjustment and performance. Case study: Company (The writer can choose which Global Multi-National Company with CURRENT DATA – old data is NOT acceptable)
Table of contents
• Full list of sections within the report, including a reference list
Introduction (250 WORDS)
• Present CURRENT relevant information about the organization you are investigating (briefly, the name of the company, company size, number of employees, number of expatriates, location of head-quarters, subsidiaries, etc.)
• Provide an overview of a CURRENT global ‘issue’ on which your report will be based (e.g. if you are focusing on cross-cultural training of expatriates, provide a very high-level overview here by using CURRENT sources)
• Clearly state the aim and objectives of this report
Example: (I’m going to refer to the Global MNC you choose as Company ABC below)
1.0. Introduction
1.1. Company ABC Brief Overview (CURRENT DATA)
1.2. Cross-cultural training at Company ABC (CURRENT DATA)
Currently Company ABC appears to offer its expatriates cross-cultural training. This type of training is used to ensure the candidate has the adequate cultural awareness that is necessary for working abroad effectively. However, it seems that there is a gap in the cross-cultural training offered by Company ABC. This is problematic as it is important to provide expatriates with a broad range of cross-cultural training to ensure………
1.3. Objective of this report
The objective of this report is to therefore investigate the CURRENT CROSS-CULTURAL TRAINING ACTIVITIES at Company ABC. The report will begin by conducting a critical evaluation of Company ABC’s CURRENT CROSS-CULTURAL PROGRAM. Drawing on relevant theoretical frameworks, I will analyse whether the CURRENT APPROACH is helping the organization achieve its strategic objectives generally and the needs of its international assignees specifically. Next, I will provide a set of recommendations to address the issues raised. I will then highlight a set of risks and contingencies which Company ABC may wish to consider. Finally, I will conclude with………
Main body of the report (900 WORDS)
• Identify and critically evaluate the specific issue(s) and/or problems you wish to investigate, and, drawing on models/theories, RECENT researches and studies, critically analyse and provide a discussion why these issue(s) is of importance.
• This is where you present your main account of the problem/issue you which to investigate: DOES CROSS-CULTURAL TRAINING HELP IN ASSISTING ADJUSTMENT AND PERFORMANCE? CONSIDER WHY/WHY NOT?
• It should be based on analysis, not intuition (avoid saying, “I feel….”); instead say, “the CURRENT literature suggests that expatriate maladjustment is one of the biggest reasons for expatriate failure”– you must back-up what you write with evidence and/or argument. This means you must:
1. Substantiate each point you make.
2. Support opinions with specific examples/evidence (e.g. from RECENT scholarly articles) or by building a logical argument based on previously cited examples/evidence.
• Headings for sub-section, underlined or in bold
• Consider presenting material in the form of diagrams, charts etc. wherever appropriate – it can help reduce word count. However, if you are going to use this, refer to it in the document, but place it in the Appendix.
Example:
2.0. Analysis of the issues faced by Company ABC (CURRENT data)
2.1 The CURRENT use of cross-cultural training in Company ABC
While research suggests that the use of cross-cultural training is useful in ensuring the international assignee has the relevant information and skills for his/her work abroad, it is troublesome that this is the only form of training offered by Company ABC. Research suggests that it may be beneficial to consider different strategies when training expatriates This may include…….
2.2. ‘One size fits one’ training approach
Currently Company ABC provides the same type of cross-cultural training program to all of its expatriates. There is some evidence to suggest that the organization employs a combination if expatriates: assigned expatriates and organizational self-initiated expatriates. Given the different needs of these individuals, it is therefore an issue that they………
Recommendations (900 WORDS)
• Provide your solutions/recommendations to resolve these problems/improve the situation based on your research. Do not copy what other researchers are recommending. You may use their information to support your findings. However, this section needs to be an original piece.
• This is where you list and explain the actions which you wish to take, based on your analysis to resolve the problems and/or improve the situation based on your research.
• It is important to focus on specifics, not generalities. For example:
1. The priorities
2. The time-scale/deadlines for completion
3. Consideration of costs/resource implications (note: you do not need to provide an exact amount but consider whether this is a costly or not
Example:
3.0 Recommendations
Based on the analysis provided in the previous section, in this section I will present a set of recommendations to help Company ABC deal with their issues stemming from inadequate cross-cultural training for their expatriates.
3.1. Customize cross-cultural training
3.2. Consider the use of cross-cultural training
Risks and contingencies (350 WORDS)
• Highlight any risks and contingencies related to the case and your recommendations.
• These may include things beyond your control, but which you still need to be aware of (e.g. political environment; economic context; the individual him/herself?)
Example:
4.0. Risks and contingencies
I acknowledge that recommendations may not be foul-proof and are subject to not achieving desired results. For this reason, this section will consider a few risks that may be associated with the recommendations provided and some contingencies Company ABC may wish to consider………
Conclusions (100 WORDS)
• This is where you sum up the general conclusions you have reached
Example:
4.0. Conclusions
The purpose of this report was to critically analyse and evaluate Company ABC’s current cross-cultural training activities designed for their expatriates. In doing so, I have discussed and explained key areas of concern and provided a set of recommendations to help the organization address………
Reference List
Please put as many references as possible (MINIMUM 20) from recent publications, mostly academic journals. (Harvard style)
Assessment and grading information:
The report will consist of the following sections. It is essential that you include ALL of them so that you do not lose any marks.
The content of your assignment MUST include all of the following:
Mark Learning Outcome
1. Introduction which presents the organization you are investigating and contextualises the situation and context and clearly states aim and objectives. 15% 1
2. Identify and critically evaluate the specific issue(s) and/or problems you wish to investigate, and, drawing on models/theories, provide a discussion why these issue(s) is of importance. 25% 2
3. Provide your solutions/recommendations to resolve these problems/improve the situation based on your research. Do not copy what other researchers are recommending. You may use their information to support your findings. However, this section needs to be an original piece. It is important to focus on specifics, not generalities. 30% 3
4. Highlight any risks and contingencies related to the case and your recommendations. 20% 3,4
5. Grammar and referencing 10% 4
TOTAL MARKS: 100%