Cultural and organizational orientation
Cultural and organizational orientation is vital in improving expatriates’ ability to adjust to the new working environment. In many cases, the failure of expatriates has been attributed to cross-cultural challenges. Therefore, identifying factors that can improve expatriate cultural adjustment is vital in promoting their success rate. Hofstede’s models play a vital role in comparing the frameworks of expatriate host countries and their homes.
Wondwosen argued that cultural differences were identified as the primary sources of challenges noted in expatriates’ acquisition with global management skills. The failure rates have been attributed to the inability to adapt to the host country’s working environment. Therefore, receiving an expatriate requires a company to incorporate a program that fosters their cultural and social adaption, a this is consequential to their performances. Expatriate adjustment further looks into the psychological state of expatriates toward the host countries and culture.
Expatriates vary in the way they adjust to the social and cultural norms of any new country. To facilitate this process, company management should introduce social etiquette and communication models that facilitate easier adaption to expatriates. Communication is vital in facilitating interaction with other people. However, Americans value personal space. Therefore physical touching when communicating makes people uncomfortable. Furthermore, a smile is a non-verbal way of being friendly and polite. People shake hands when they meet briefly. The US social courtesies are broad, and the basic ones will require the expatriate to learn how to interact. However, he or she may adapt to other social norms with time.
Information on safety and security is essential in keeping the expatriate out of danger and issues linked to law enforcers. To orient on these issues, it is important to observe safety measures in the region. Expatriates should take precautions, such as taking care of their passports. Violent crimes have been reduced in the US. However, expatriates should be precautious when traveling to unfamiliar places. If required to travel, then they should find public advisories about recent incidents the area
Leisure activities promote mental and body wellness. Introducing expats to leisure activities such as reading, socializing, and communication is essential in promoting mental wellness. For instance, participation in recreation activities helps manage different forms of stress. It provides a sense of self-esteem and reduces anxiety and depression.
Activities for children, such as sports clubs, are essential to employees with families. This will ensure that access the right facilitates that allow children to play and interact with their peers. It also provides n opportunity for children to get new friends and learn new things
Education systems vary from one country to another. Therefore, familiarizing with the skills and training systems in such institutions is essential in keeping up with the country’s required education standards. It facilitates the acquisition of skills is essential in achieving different goals. Higher educational institutions in the US have the required programs that promote the upgrading of various courses. Thus, they offer the necessary skills needed for quality performance and competency at the workplace.
Expatriates need to be motivated and willing to adjust to a different working environment. They should equip themselves with the right skills to manage various issues affecting their stay in global workplaces. They should prepare themselves to learn by doing instead of relying on cross-cultural training. Furthermore, they should lead to regularly adjust their behaviors according to the rules of the new culture. They can achieve this by seeking inquiries from colleagues and testing the skills by regularly interacting with people.