Are US multinationals adequately preparing future American leaders for global competition?

In an exploration of the problems & successes that managers face while on international assignments, suggestions are offered on how to improve the experience for high-potential (HIPO) managers sent abroad. Traditionally considered a career risk, the international assignment is today favored as a critical training ground for future corporate leaders. Survey & interview data obtained from 135 US repatriates in the electronic, banking, & defense industries about their attitudes before & after such assignments revealed that most had high expectations before their trip, but in retrospect felt they had not been adequately trained for it; most acknowledged that the assignment broadened their perspectives more than it developed their careers. Another survey of 30 multinational corporations explored the importance of overseas training for HIPOs. The results are summarized as fifteen reasons for not supporting such training. An outline for a model expatriate-repatriate management program is offered, including effective selection, adequate cultural & language preparation, positive expatriate support, & preplanned position availability on return. 34 References. J. Sadler