Expatriate Selection

Selection is where it all starts ..

3 things to select against

• Job fit
• Expat fit
• Country fit

 "Job fit" says it all. 

"Expat fit" - the candidate is qualified technically to do the job but he/she does not have the traits necessary to become a successful expatriate.  According to Robert Kohl the ideal expat must have the following traits to succeed:

(expatriate has the ability to function in a situation with no rules and parameters, and where things do not necessarily "make sense")

• Low goal/task orientation .

(not obsessed with setting highly demanding goals and quick results. A high propensity to drive for results could be very frustrating to the expat and he/she could become very quickly demoralised and or explosive towards host nationals)

• Open-mindedness

(receptive to other ideas and will listen to other’s points of view - seeks out more information before making a decision)

• Tolerance for differences

(ability to accept change and accept differences in others. The ability to live closely to people who may have fundamentally different habits)

(ability to communicate and express oneself well / having social extension)

(does not quickly judge others – expatriates who are nonjudgmental often show interest in the beliefs of other cultures and are more likely to establish meaningful intercultural relationships. Not cynical of others)

(to appreciate how others feel – intellectual or emotional identification with others)

(ability to consider alternative ways of doing things – flexibility is vital in expatriates who work in joint ventures, interact with multi-cultural staff and who may work as negotiators)

(sense of adventure and willingness to do things differently)

(social adaptability and interpersonal relationships. Ability to socialise with new people in unfamiliar situations is important. Someone who is not at home in small intimate groups will have trouble in adapting. Research has shown that strong people skills are very important to expatriate success and effectiveness. Expats who are aloof and prefer to be alone have a great disadvantage compared to those who are sincerely interested in others)

(self-motivation is essential for expats as with out it they may feel helpless when confronted by new and changing life situations)

(a strong sense of self in expats manifests itself in a way that they can control the events and outcomes in their lives. They are more likely to exert an effort into making things happen)

"Country fit" - it is important to remember that some countries require more of one trait than another.

BUT WHAT ABOUT THE PARTNER?