The Role of Cross-cultural Competences in a Successful Expatriate Management Process

Abstract The present study aims to explore the role of cross-cultural competences in successful expatriate management carried out in a globalized business environment. As nowadays organizations increasingly expand their operations across borders, the efficient management of expatriates becomes vital for achieving sustainable international growth. However, challenges associated with cross-cultural interaction and cultural adaptation can significantly hinder expatriate success, therefore it is vital to investigate the expatriate management pre-assignment stage to understand the selection criteria of the candidates. Based on screening the relevant business literature concerning the topic, including articles, journals, statistics, global mobility reports and trends, we aim to clarify why and how organizations send employees abroad, while better understanding the role of intercultural competences. By direct observation, narrative inquiries and stories, quantitative questionnaires and informal interviews with corporate managers and HR specialists, we collected and discussed several case studies of international assignments in multinationals to illustrate the importance of cross-cultural competences in identifying and selecting suitable candidates and to highlight the role of intercultural training within the process. The findings emphasize the urgent need for organizations to bridge the gap between theory and practice by adopting formalized expatriate management strategies that prioritize cross-cultural competences. Intercultural competences are pivotal in ensuring expatriates can navigate complex international environments with confidence and effectiveness. Moreover, the study highlights the critical role of intercultural training workshops, language courses, and mentorship programs in equipping expatriates with the tools necessary to overcome cultural barriers and maximize their contributions abroad. This paper is part of a larger project to study the importance of cross-cultural competences in multinationals and it ultimately aims to inspire a shift toward more competence-driven, culturally sensitive approaches that will not only optimize expatriate performance but also support long-term organizational success in an increasingly globalized world.