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International Assignment Training

30 October, 2015 - 16:03

Since we are working within a global economy, it might be necessary to provide training to employees who are moving overseas or working overseas. Up to 40 percent of international assignments are terminated early because of a lack of international training. 1 Ensuring success overseas is reliant upon the local employee’s learning how to navigate in the new country. The following topics might be included in this type of training:

  1. Cultural differences and similarities
  2. Insight and daily living in the country
  3. Social norms and etiquette
  4. Communication training, such as language skills

This training is best delivered by a professional in the region or area in which the employee will be working. We discuss this topic in more detail in International HRM.

Key Takeaways

  • Training delivery methods are important to consider, depending on the type of training that needs to be performed.
  • Most organizations do not use only one type of training delivery method; a combination of many methods will be used.
  • On-the-job coaching delivery method is a training delivery method in which an employee is assigned to a more experienced employee or manager to learn the skills needed for the job. This is similar to the mentor training delivery method, except a mentor training method is less about skills training and more about ongoing employee development.
  • Brown bag lunch training delivery is normally informal and can involve personal development as well as specific job-related skills.
  • Web-based training is any type of training that is delivered using technology.
  • There are numerous platforms that can be used for web-based training and considerations, such as cost, when selecting a platform for use.
  • A synchronous training method is used for web-based training and refers to delivery that is led by a facilitator. An asynchronous training method is one that is self-directed.
  • Job shadowing is a delivery method consisting of on-the-job training and the employee’s learning skills by watching someone more experienced.
  • To motivate employees and allow them to develop new skills, job swapping training delivery may be used. This occurs when two people change jobs for a set period of time to learn new skills. With this method, it is likely that other methods will also be used, too.
  • Vestibule training delivery is also known as “near site” training. It normally happens in a classroom, conference room, or lecture room and works well to deliver orientations and some skills-based training. Many organizations also use vestibule training for technical training, safety training, professional training, and quality training.
  • Since many companies operate overseas, providing training to those employees with international assignments can better prepare them for living and working abroad.

Exercises

  1. Do an Internet search on web-based training. Discuss two of the platforms you found. What are the features and benefits?
  2. Which training delivery method do you think you personally would prefer in a job and why?
  3. What do you see as advantages and disadvantages to each type of training method?