Expatriate Selection: The Key To International Success

Abstract

The types of criteria used to evaluate individuals' success in expatriate assignments and variables, which could represent expatriates' knowledge skills and abilities (KSAs), were investigated in this study.  The four most common criteria are (a) technical competencies; (b) human relational skills; (c) spouse and family adaptability; and (d) desirability to serve overseas.  Another attempt was made to understand the relationships between firm's selection strategies and expatriate success.  Success was viewed from a multidimensional perspective.  In addition, the tasks and responsibilities of expatriates vary by company, by industry, and by country.  A contingency approach for selection was discussed briefly.