Final answer:
The fear related to being out of sight and therefore overlooked for career advancement when taking foreign assignments is most closely associated with repatriation issues in a globalized labor market.
Step-by-step explanation:
The "out of sight, out of mind" fear that qualified and ambitious sales personnel experience when refusing to take up foreign assignments is most closely linked to the problems of repatriation. This concern addresses the anxiety that being physically removed from the company's home office may cause them to be overlooked for promotions or career development opportunities. With globalization leading to an international division of labor and increased competition, the fear of being undervalued or forgotten when working abroad becomes more pronounced. This is especially true as firms in high-income nations perceive competitive threats from lower-cost labor markets.
Repatriation refers to the process of returning to one's home country after living or working abroad. When sales personnel refuse foreign assignments due to the fear of being forgotten or overlooked by their company, it stems from concerns about their future opportunities and career advancement when they eventually return home.