Holtbrügge D, Schillo K (2008)
Publication Language: English
Publication Type: Journal article
Publication year: 2008
Publisher: Taylor & Francis (Routledge)
Book Volume: 11
Pages Range: 271–286
DOI: 10.1080/13678860802102575
Virtual assignments are characterized by the spatial separation of private and business life. The virtual delegate lives and interacts in one culture, yet he or she works together mainly with people from another culture. Since face-to-face contacts with colleagues, customers or suppliers are reduced to a minimum, firsthand experience of foreign cultures does not take place. As a result, intercultural training becomes essential. The study suggests that virtual delegates are faced with several intercultural management problems such as different time zones and communication styles as well as language barriers. These problems are increased by the lack of face-to-face communication and common trust-building mechanisms. Intercultural training may be an instrument for overcoming these challenges. However, they have to be adapted to the specific requirements of virtual expatriates. Moreover, intercultural training should not only be offered to the virtual delegates themselves, but also to the individuals with whom they interact in the host country.
APA:
Holtbrügge, D., & Schillo, K. (2008). Intercultural training requirements for virtual assignments: results of an explorative empirical study. Human Resource Development International, 11, 271–286. https://doi.org/10.1080/13678860802102575
MLA:
Holtbrügge, Dirk, and Katrin Schillo. "Intercultural training requirements for virtual assignments: results of an explorative empirical study." Human Resource Development International 11 (2008): 271–286.
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