Developing international executives: the capacity‐building approach
Development and Learning in Organizations
ISSN: 1477-7282
Article publication date: 15 February 2011
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to outline the development steps that should be undertaken by any executives who are to be sent on an expatriate assignment to take the lead in a foreign subsidiary location. It highlights the need to develop an understanding of the host country's business practices, cultural preferences and operational methods.
Design/methodology/approach
This article explores contemporary thinking and practice and is based on work carried out over the past two years. It also uses arguments from organizational development and learning literature.
Findings
The paper explains that programs need to impart skills and knowledge in the area of cross cultural empathy, cross cultural communication and leadership, and, finally, the individual's self efficacy and level of adaptability.
Practical implications
The paper provides insights and practical tools to assist in the development of a successful international executive.
Originality/value
The short paper is designed for executives and researchers with demanding lifestyles and assists in getting an in‐depth overview by selecting the most relevant information and presenting it in a condensed and easy‐to‐digest format.
Keywords
Citation
Khan, A., Khan, R. and Habibur Rahman, M. (2011), "Developing international executives: the capacity‐building approach", Development and Learning in Organizations, Vol. 25 No. 2, pp. 10-14. https://doi.org/10.1108/14777281111108218
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2011, Emerald Group Publishing Limited