No abstract

The purpose of this exploratory research study was to obtain information about training programs for expatriate employees in the U.S. textile and apparel industries. The research sample consisted of 34 U.S. textile and apparel manufacturers identified to have expatriate employees. Personnel managers or managers of overseas operations in 28 companies responded to the telephone survey (93% response rate). Language training was the most frequently used training program category. The training programs of most companies lasted less than six weeks, with the majority of programs taking place in the overseas location where the expatriate was to be placed. In general, managers viewed training as important for an expatriate. Language training and cultural assimilation were the two categories perceived by managers to be most important; however, in this study, perceived importance of specific categories did not show a significant relationship to the success of an overseas operation.