Question

Explain how employers both prepare managers for international assignments and assist them in their return home (repatriation). What is reverse culture shock?

a) Employers provide no assistance to managers on international assignments.
b) Preparation includes cultural training, and repatriation involves reverse logistics.
c) Reverse culture shock is the same as culture shock.
d) Employers only assist with international assignments but not repatriation.

Answer 1

Employers prepare managers for international assignments through cultural training, and they assist managers during repatriation by providing logistical support and counseling. Reverse culture shock is the emotional distress experienced when returning to one's home country after an extended time abroad.

Step-by-step explanation:

Employers play a crucial role in preparing managers for international assignments and assisting them during repatriation. They provide cultural training to prepare managers for the challenges they may face in a different culture. This includes teaching them about cultural norms, etiquette, and language. During repatriation, employers help managers transition back to their home country by providing support for logistical aspects, such as arranging housing and transportation. They also offer guidance and counseling to help managers adjust to reverse culture shock.

Reverse culture shock is the emotional and psychological distress that individuals may experience when returning to their home country after an extended time abroad. It is different from culture shock, which occurs when one first enters a new culture. Reverse culture shock can manifest as feelings of disorientation, frustration, and a sense of not belonging. It can be triggered by cultural differences, reverse logistics, reintegration challenges, and a sense of longing for the experiences and lifestyle abroad.