Global Mobility Is Looking at the Wrong People

Episode Description

When organizations think about international assignment success, attention often focuses on policies, relocation support, vendors, compliance, and employee readiness.

In this episode, Ben argues that one of the most important factors is frequently overlooked: the line manager. From setting expectations before departure to supporting employees abroad and helping them navigate repatriation, managers often have more influence on assignment outcomes than many formal mobility processes.

What This Episode Covers

• why line managers play a critical role before, during, and after assignments

• how managers shape employee expectations long before relocation begins

• the impact of managerial support on the assignee experience abroad

• why many repatriation challenges are ultimately management challenges

• how organizations can better support managers involved in mobility programs

Key Reflection Questions

• how effectively are line managers prepared for their role in international assignments?

• where do assignment challenges stem from process issues versus management issues?

• how much attention does your organization give to manager capability within mobility programs?

Key Insight

International assignments are ultimately human experiences, and human experiences are shaped by relationships. Few relationships matter more than the one between an assignee and their manager.

Related Themes

This episode connects closely to discussions around employee experience, stakeholder management, leadership behavior, talent development, repatriation, and the human side of Global Mobility.

Host

Hosted by Benjamin Bader, Professor of International HRM and co-founder of MasteringGM®.

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