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Terms in this set [32]
Definition of Globalization
a phenomenon that comprises multiple and drastic changes in all areas of social life, particularly economics, technology, and culture.
The interdependency of
• Transportation
• Distribution
• Communication
• Economic networks across international borders
A set of processes by which the world is rapidly being integrated into one economic space via increased international trade, the internationalization of production and financial markets, the internationalization of a commodity culture promoted by an increasingly networked global telecommunications system.
Global economy
"It is no longer possible for any country .. to exist without economic connections with other countries. This connectedness is that it brings many different cultures into contact with one another at the workplace"
Globalization - Impact
Heterogeneity of agents, orientation patters, ways of life and competencies
--->
Trends towards new working models like Expatriation/ Inpatriation
Companies realize the productive potential of social heterogeneity
Expatriation
Temporary work stay abroad
Due to pressures of competition from the globalization of markets:
• Multinational companies [MNC]: assignments = market advantage
• International professional experience is prime prerequisite for becoming an
executive
The different phases of international assignment
1] preparation
2] sojourn
3]
return
Preparation
often inadequate or doesn't occur at all
Sojourn
Risks are country-specific and individually different
• Western expats to China experienced "classic" culture shock, expats who were not interested in the country had difficulties to adapt [Selmer, 2001] and consequently to be effective
• The bigger the cultural distance [Wang, 2002] the more difficult it may be for an expat to do his/her job
Return
The company's and colleagues' lack of appreciation of the returnee are
problems specific of the return phase
Phases of Expatriation
...
Culture shock [U curve]
[1] euphoria, positive excitement about a new environment;
[2] culture shock caused by surprising, mostly negative, experiences
in a new environment;
[3] acculturation, the learning process of adaptation to a new
environment; and finally,
[4] a stable state, achieved if the acculturation process is
accomplished successfully
Perspectives for a Process of Expatriation
Selection
•
Valid selection instruments
• E.g. Assessment center
Preparation and Training
• Concepts
• Evaluation of trainings
Sojourn
• Mentoring
• Role of women
Return
• Systematic reappraisal of foreign experiences
• Transfer workshops
Expatriate
• Manager or professional assigned to work in a location outside of his or her home country
• Headquarteràsubsidiary, associated company
HQ --employee--> Subsidiary, associated company
Inpatriate
Manager or professional assigned to work for the headquarters coming from a subsidiary or associated company
employees who are transferred from an MNC ́s [multinational corporations] foreign subsidiaries to the HQ [Headquarters] for a limited period
HQ