An empirical investigation of the effectiveness of pre-departure and in-country cross-cultural training

Abstract

This study draws on social learning theory to analyse and compare the effects of pre-departure cross-cultural training (PDCCT) and in-country cross-cultural training (ICCCT) on performance. It focuses on the structural distinction between these two types of training: whether they occur before or during expatriation. Analysis of a sample of 206 expatriates and their firm's annual professional evaluation shows that ICCCT facilitates professional performance, while no impact of PDCCT on performance could be ascertained.

Keywords::

• cross-cultural training
• expatriation
• performance
• social learning theory