Expatriate Assignment: Success in France

Abstract

As more companies participate in the global economy, the use of expatriates becomes increasingly important to business. Cultural differences, however, can lead to problems in expatriate effectiveness. The cultural toughness between France and the United States remains particularly challenging. This study identified and examined the cultural dissimilarities and the associated differences in management practices present between France and the United States. This study found that cultural differences have narrowed, when compared to Hofstede's (1980) study, possibly through the effects of globalization; however, differences along Hofstede's four cultural dimensions are still present. These cultural differences are addressed in a training program, designed specifically for American expatriates to meet with success on on overseas assignment in France.