Title: Cross-cultural training for Dutch expatriates going to India

Authors: Simone J. Van Zolingen; Caroline Essers; Lisan Vermeer

Addresses: Institute for Management Research, Nijmegen School of Management, Radboud University Nijmegen, P.O. Box 9108, 6500 HK Nijmegen, The Netherlands. ' Institute for Management Research, Nijmegen School of Management, Radboud University Nijmegen, P.O. Box 9108, 6500 HK Nijmegen, The Netherlands. ' Bogaerts & Groenen Advocaten, Moergestelseweg 34A, Postbus 234, 5060 AE Oisterwijk, The Netherlands

Abstract: The aim of this study is to gain insight into the challenges encountered by Dutch expatriates during their stay in India and into how Cross-Cultural Training (CCT) can be improved to help them handle these challenges adequately. For this explorative, in-depth study, CCT was split into five areas: adjustment to work; adjustment to interacting with host country nationals; adjustment to the general non-work environment; adjustment to Indian culture; and adjustment to the Indian context. Eighteen Dutch expatriates were interviewed. Data analysis included a discursive interpretation of the relevant quotes. A number of elements that can be improved in received CCT were identified in the five areas mentioned above.

Keywords: CCT; cross-cultural training; Dutch expatriates; India; work adjustment; The Netherlands; culture; working abroad.

DOI: 10.1504/EJIM.2012.044755

European Journal of International Management, 2012 Vol.6 No.1, pp.10 - 28

Published online: 22 Nov 2014 *

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