CROSS-CULTURAL TRAINING FOR OVERSEAS MANAGEMENT.

The purpose of this paper is to outline the process of cross-cultural encounter, goals of cross-cultural training and training methods available to accomplish these goals. In addition such aspects as timing of training, participation of host nationals and wives of executives in training programs and re-entry training are discussed. A major element in the dynamics of working abroad is the barrier posed by the cultural norms, values and beliefs of the visitor and the host nationals in their interpersonal relationships. The purpose of cross-cultural training is to make the managers sensitive to the influence of culture on their own behavior and the behavior of the host nationals. The sense of loss and isolation resulting from the lack of behavioral understanding is called culture shock. The changes in physical environment, food, living arrangements and the like aggravate this malady. While most individuals experience culture shock during the initial phases of their stay overseas, some individuals do not seem to be affected by this to any great degrees.