Abstract
A survey of Australian companies' support services to their expatriates was conducted using the Guzzo and Noonan (1992) instrument from the SHRM/ CCH survey in the USA. Australian firms report a wide variability in expatriate management practice, but all appear to believe they are doing the right thing. There appeared to be three categories of findings:
1 Most of the Australian companies report extensive financial inducements to expatriates, but less than those provided to American expatriates. Australian respondents appear generally satisfied with company practice in regard to financial inducements.
2 In view of recommendations from previous research, it is surprising that Australian companies do not appear to be offering the nature and extent of training that is common in American firms, nor even to levels thought sufficient themselves. Expatriate preparation and orientation (including language training) remain areas for concern.
3 The support offered by Australian firms to the families of expatriates appears to be significantly deficient in comparison with that provided to American expatriates' families. This is an important finding in view of other research indicating that family support for the expatriate is often crucial for the success of the assignment. That companies appear to recognize the present deficit provides grounds for hope that the situation will be remedied.
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