The Human Dimension helps insure the success of expatriate assignments from the United States to Hong Kong and China, and of expatriates transferring into the United States. We meet with the expatriate's organization to discuss each particular case, and design whatever interventions (for example, training, cultural orientations, coaching, mentoring, team building, meetings, etc.) that are appropriate to get the job done within the client's budget. We combine our knowledge of living and working in the United States, China, and Hong Kong with our knowledge of human systems, organization development, and counseling to ensure a successful expatriate assignment. We coach the expatriate, his or her family, and the people he/she will interact with in the organization in intercultural competencies, self-awareness, and the interpersonal skills they need. We make sure the host boss has the competencies needed to be an effective host boss. We facilitate a good relationship between the host boss and the expatriate. We work with the expatriate's new team to facilitate his or her smooth transition into the team. (A side benefit of this is better teamwork throughout the team.) We work with the family to ensure that they have a good transition, as their happiness is critical to the expatriate's ability to fully concentrate on the work.

What Makes an Expatriate Assignment Successful?

Several factors are known to be indicative of expatriates' success when they transfer either into or out of an expat assignment. These include:

• family adjustment
• clear objectives for the assignment
• clear job role
• clear plans for repatriation or reassignment
• human resource and logistical support
• previous international work and living experiences
• knowledge of the host country's culture
• positive attitudes towards the assignment and the host country.

Another very important success factor is a host boss and coworkers who are interculturally competent, especially if they have lived or been raised interculturally. The boss should be willing and able to mentor the expatriate. The expatriate and the expatriate's teammates benefit greatly from help in bringing the expatriate fully into the team.