International mobility policies and practices: are there gender differences in importance ratings?

Because the low participation rate of women in international management is problematic, this study seeks to identify which international mobility policies and practices appear to be most responsive to the needs of women. Based upon 337 responses to a questionnaire survey, the results show significant gender differences on five career-related international mobility policies and practices. While career support has been recognized as an important condition of expatriate success, the study results suggest that this form of support is critical for encouraging women to accept international assignments. No significant gender differences were found on family-supportive international mobility policies and practices. Financial support received generally high importance ratings by both women and men.