Cross-cultural awareness training and its impact on reduction in expatriate failure in Australian MNEs

Abstract

This study examines cross-cultural awareness training policies and practices including their provision, programs and mode of delivery, and their contribution to reduction in expatriate failure in Australian MNEs. It concludes that the case Australian MNEs tend not to provide low or medium level of rigor cross-cultural awareness training; instead they provide high rigor training, mainly in the form of orientation trips and flexpatriation. The findings of this study do not support the predominant international training literature, which has concluded that MNEs generally do not provide adequate cross-cultural awareness training. It is contended that the conclusions drawn from past studies have neglected the substantial reduction in expatriate failure that has resulted from higher level rigor training. The findings of this study have significant implications for practitioners and further research, which are also discussed.