The Case of the Floundering Expatriate - A Case Analysis...

INTRODUCTION In an Economic Times article on the 15th of September there is a report that says that more and more expatriates and foreign corporate managers are queuing to take up Indian assignments. This is because the idea of an Indian experience from a growth and role perspective offers them a huge value addition. As an HR head says India is a market of constant learning and provides expatriates with a foundation for a global tomorrow. This article if taken in context with the case in question gives us the clear correlation between foreign assignments and future corporate success. A foreign assignment with all its hardship and adjustment fears is a perfect platform for future CEO s to showcase their abilities. Success in a foreign†¦show more content†¦His wife is bored without work; their eldest daughter is facing problems with grades in the British school. The problem is not just a temporary adjustment problem. Donaldson is at his wit s end as he has tried everything possible to appease and motivate his staff but they refuse to listen. The problem is so serious that Bert has personally admitted to his inability to handle the juniors. Frank has to take a decision with regard to Donaldson. Some of the options include sticking with him for another year, firing him or sending him back to America. ANALYSIS OF THE TWO MAIN CHARACTERS Donaldson His stint in Europe is marked by numerous cultural faux pas due to his lack of cultural savvy. He does not interact with his juniors, learn Swiss German, and is unpunctual too. His schedules run overtime, he does not know how to show adequate respect to his subordinates. The incident with Hassler epitomizes what is wrong with Bert. Even when he tries to be at his best behaviour he is unable to communicate with the vice president. Frank Waterhouse Frank s desire to rise to the top at any cost becomes detrimental to his company as he refuses to see the problem as his own. Frank failed to usher in Donaldson. This can be seen by the fact that he did not even attend the first workshop. As CEO he also does not have any proper communication channels as the news of dissatisfaction with Bert reaches him very late. He is also excessively fearful of adverse reactions fromShow MoreRelatedUnited Arab of Emirates Country Notebook18844 Words   |  76 PagesEmirates Country Notebook Presented to Dr. Shahira El Alfy Prepared by: Mohamed Ibrahim Osama Mosher Ismail Ahmed El-Mohamady Hesham Mostafa Eslsca 36 – Global Management I. Cultural Analysis: Identification of the Emirates History: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) consists of the seven emirates, which are: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al-Khaimah, Ajman, Umm Al-Qaiwain, and Fujairah. They were united as a federal state on 2Read MoreUnited Arab of Emirates Country Notebook18844 Words   |  76 PagesEmirates Country Notebook Presented to Dr. Shahira El Alfy Prepared by: Mohamed Ibrahim Osama Mosher Ismail Ahmed El-Mohamady Hesham Mostafa Eslsca 36 – Global Management I. Cultural Analysis: Identification of the Emirates History: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) consists of the seven emirates, which are: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al-Khaimah, Ajman, Umm Al-Qaiwain, and Fujairah. They were united as a federal state on 2Read MoreStephen P. Robbins Timothy A. Judge (2011) Organizational Behaviour 15th Edition New Jersey: Prentice Hall393164 Words   |  1573 Pagesaware of a trademark claim, the designations have been printed in initial caps or all caps. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Robbins, Stephen P. Organizational behavior / Stephen P. Robbins, Timothy A. Judge. — 15th ed. p. cm. Includes indexes. ISBN-13: 978-0-13-283487-2 ISBN-10: 0-13-283487-1 1. Organizational behavior. I. Judge, Tim. II. Title. HD58.7.R62 2012 658.3—dc23 2011038674 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 ISBN 10: 0-13-283487-1 ISBN 13: 978-0-13-283487-2 Brief Contents Preface