Pre-departure training for expatriates who are sent to China

Author: Pamela Lau

Coach: Prof. Dr. Barbara Krug
Co-Reader: Dr. Jimmy Tseng

Abstract
Expatriation to China still remains problematic for many companies. The main reason for expatriate failure is the inability of the expatriate or the expatriate’s family to adjust to the new environment. This can mostly be linked to the large cultural differences between China and the home country. The findings of this research show that providing pre-departure training for expatriates who are sent to China is considered relevant and useful. This is based on actual experience of expatriates, regardless whether they received pre-departure training or not. Very important is that the spouse and family should be involved in the pre-departure preparation process. Furthermore, within the pre-departure training, aspects concerning Culture and Guanxi are considered important. Additionally, Language is regarded as an important element that most companies should not overlook.

About the author After having completed the Bachelor programme of International Business Administration (IBA) at RSM Erasmus University, Pamela Lau enrolled in the MScBA Human Resource Management programme. Here she developed an interest in the training procedures of companies and hence decided to write her Master Thesis on the subject. The focus on expatriation to China in her research was due to her ambition of working in China in the future. Having attained her Master’s Degree, Lau received a Cultural Agreement scholarship to study Mandarin in Beijing for a year will leave for China in September 2007. Download this thesis (DOC, 681 KB)