[[alternative]]A Study of Cross-Cultural Competencies of the Expatriates in Multinational Enterprises

[[abstract]]ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to find out the cross-cultural competencies of expatriates in multinational enterprises (MNEs). It has been witnessed an increased trend of multinational enterprises in recent years. It is estimated that 20 to 25 percent of all foreign assignments ultimately failed for U.S expatriates. Some surveys indicate that many of these failures were not linked to deficiencies in technical and vocational skills, but rather were the result of cultural difficulties. These facts reveal the importance of research on expatriates’ cross-cultural competencies. Through the interviews, the study reveals that except willingness to accept foreign assignments and personal background, when we select expatriates and train them, we should emphasize on the competences of professional knowledge and skills, language, personal interacting and communication skills, leadership and management skills, adjustment skills, awareness of cultural differences and skills of transferring organizational culture. This research offered the competencies for MNEs on selecting and in cross-culture for expatriates to meet the goals and objectives for MNEs.