When looking at the hot topics and key challenges in expatriation, it seems that family-related issues continue to top the list. The 2010 Brookfield Global Relocation Trends Survey results indicate that, similar to previous years, multinationals view family adjustment, children’s education and partner resistance as the most important expatriation challenges. Companies also state that family concerns and dual-career issues are the main reasons for employees to turn down international assignment offers.
Similar trends are reported in the 2010 Global Mobility Policy & Practices survey, which suggests that 74% of the reported reasons to turn down an international relocation are family or personal circumstances.
However, these challenges are not limited to the stage of selecting candidates for expatriation. The same reasons also emerge when analyzing assignment failures. The Global Relocation Trends Survey found family concerns to be the main reason (32%) for returning early from an assignment. Likewise, the Global Mobility Policy & Practices survey attributes 30% of the failure reasons to a family’s inability to adapt to the host location.
These are very interesting survey results. And it actually correlates to a recent blog post that was posted on the Paragon Relocation blog about how “Going Global” on an international assignment or global permanent move is an often times essential element rising up the corporate ladder.
Thank you, again.
Here is the blog post which I was referencing above: http://blog.paragonrelocation.com/index.php/executive-leadership-global/
interesting data and survey.I suppose family concerns remain at the forefront. What sort of statistics are there for immigrants from poorer countries?
If we speak of immigration as a voluntary, permanent move abroad, the main issues are quite similar, but are likely to be of different relative importance. Unlike in company-initiated expatriation (which the survey is about), in the case of voluntary, self-initiated relocation/immigration a person has to arrange and manage all job- and living-related challenges on her own, without company assistance. These challenges therefore play a greater role in deciding upon the relocation and returning from immigration than in the case of expatriation. Recent research does highlight though that family demands are an important reason for immigrant return (see http://www.sscnet.ucla.edu/geog/downloads/597/216.pdf).
With regard to their countries-of-origin, the majority of assignees still come from developed countries although this is changing. In my own research, I have found that in the case of inpatriates (employees being sent from a foreign subsidiary to the corporate HQ) 73% come from developed countries whereas the remaining 27% come from developing or emerging countries.
Maybe its my unprofessional opinion, but I think in the poorer countries the job relocation problems is much different form the developed ones. People are ready to move as soon as possible. They sometime choose even to relocate without families!
In most of the poorer countries or developing countries like most of the eastern and Asian countries, family concerns are quite intense, like one has to ask and respect decisions of elders and other family members before ultimately going for international relocation, and most of the eastern countries inhabitant don’t like relocation in western countries due to dramatic society and living changes, most people who do come have only one aim that is earning some money and going back to their native places
Very interesting survey. I’ve been living in Barcelona for around 22 years now and it looks like I’m on my way back home. Barcelona is a wonderful city but I have real concerns for the education of my daughter. We’ll sadly be going back in a few months and we’ll dearly miss the city.
These data are very interesting, especially because they come at the right time. Migration is a reality of assimilation, even if some do not want. Let me know if there are other related articles, or statistics relating to these topics.
Family is the most important aspect of most peoples lives. Generally career comes second. So it is no surprise that the results show this.
yeah its true .. family is the most important aspect of most peoples lives.. i agree with you bro.
I apologize for my poor English, these statistics are very interesting, if we think of the great migration countries we realize that when you plan to leave their country for reasons of work, the family obviously has to be agreed, but the statistics are clear, the value of the family and the eventual inability to adapt are still important points to consider in this issue.
Great survey… As we all know the family is said to be the smallest unit of the society so therefore, the family is indeed the main focus for this matter. However, there are tons of family who were migrating to other country for some reasons…
Greg, I’m so glad you commented. You make several valid points! It makes me think that I need to post a blog specific to the treatment of neuropathic pain to include several different therapeutic classes.
Oh Katie, this was very special! (I wish that I could take my mom on a birthday event… We were always too far -hubby was military-)So, it was wonderful to see that you all enjoyed such a special day :o)Blessings & Aloha!
I find this to be very true. I would definitely turn down an international assignment if I could not bring my family with me. I work hard and am adventurous, but I just don’t think it’s worth it to be working so hard and not being able to come home every night to your family. After all, all that hard work was to make sure I can give my family the best – and that includes my time.
Antonio
My Blog – Fotona Laser
I for one wouldn’t move to a new job if it was too far or too complicated to keep in touch with my family. This is very interesting and sure represent most citizens
Hi Phil, I totally agree with you. This survey does represent both of us. Work is one important aspect of life, but so is family. And, I do not think that a migrant being from a first world or a third world country will make a significant impact on these results.
The education of children is a very complicated subject (the
language, cultural level, etc.). not all families tolerate
this, the opinion of the partner is also very important,
Most families are destroyed when the other
members do not accompany the worker
When you ask a business person to relocate with their families, you are asking them to uproot their entire lives. I believe that an even bigger consideration than either their children’s education or their spouse’s career is how many ties they have to their community. Are there many family member’s in the vicinity? Is this near their childhood home? Did they go to grammar school and high school in the area they are being asked to leave?
Although the rational responses like the kids’ education and the spouse’s career are given on the surveys, it is really these emotional considerations that causes them to stay where they are or to return from a relocation prematurely.
Datos interesantes. La migración aunque en un primer momento puede parecer algo que afecta a los paises más pobres, en realidad es una necesidad para todos.
i think family is the most important aspect, if any member of a family has to travel to other countries generally by economic reasons or to get o better job, usually the family structure will suffer
almost agree, but in my country – Bulgaria, my family suffers because I don’t have work almost 3 years. Would be better for them if I go out and find work somewhere…
Migration is an aspect that greatly
influences the culture. An example
is the number of youth who are a
year abroad to study. It can be
considered positive, youth who
return home with a higher level
of knowledge. As a downside, is
that they leave too influenced by
foreign culture that does not want to
return and the country could lose
young entrepreneurs who serve their
country.
The statistics are very interesting, if we think about migration we realize that the only reason is to get a better job and improve our quality of life. But the eventual inability to adapt is still important point to consider if you are thinking to migrate.
I was very interested and enjoyed your article. My partner was offered work abroad and for several reasons it made sense but after the first 4 months apart im afraid money and being separated for so long made financial,employment advancement and life style pale into insignificance. What the hell lets be together again but be happy and skint.
After my partner worked abroad for 4 months we decided the loss of affection was too much and the monetary gain was too low. We decided to be together and be skint and happy once again.
They are very interesting data, I for one wouldn’t move to a new job if it was too far or too complicated to keep in touch with my family
Family matters the most. But in our country, most of the people here want to work abroad to give their family a better future or life. And after working in a certain country for a long period of time they even bring their family members with them.
The education of children is a very complicated subject (the
language, cultural level, etc.). not all families tolerate
this, the opinion of the partner is also very important,
Most families are destroyed when the other
members do not accompany the worker
having lived away from home, I can say from experience that although I loved my life in Barcelona, it was never going to be “home”. It was the same for 90% of the friends I made who returned to the UK, to live a less extraordinary, but happier life with their families.
Home and Family. Can you have one without the other?
Yes Ben you are quite right as I also feel the same when I was away from home for some time. Though, results are bit surprising to me as I was having a perception earlier that career opportunities cause a person to relocate from one place to another most often and in that case it became interesting to know these facts for me.
These statistics show the importance of good communication with our children and good contributions and attitudes that apply in our home
I really wonder how these numbers are looking now nearly a year after they were taken. Honestly I am surprised that more relocation’s weren’t associated with people looking for work. I am not however surprised to see the rise in numbers of those having to relocate for their current job.
As our economy starts to pick up I hope that the relocation numbers start to drop. It can devastate a community if several of its key members decided to leave the rest.
Great article! I’ve been doing a bit of background research and was looking up globalization pertaining to the Thomas Friedman book “hot flat crowded” and stumbled across this article. Thanks for the post.
having lived away from home, I can say from experience that although I loved my life in Barcelona, it was never going to be “home”. It was the same for 90% of the friends I made who returned to the UK, to live a less extraordinary, but happier life with their families.
Even though there are a lot of negatives with family. What sort of life experiences and enrichment could there be if your children learnt about new cultures and possibly a new language.
John
Interesting article, I’ve been leaving abroad all my life, can’t name a single country my home. Would move If I get a good offer!
Pleasant to se that The main factor of decision when relocating is family. I’m 4 years now moved to Canada and I can say that this is something close to my home, having my parents back in my country it was a hard decision to make.
Very interesting.. sometimes you have to live a broad if the opportunity is there.. it’s a tough choice because at the end of the day home will always be home.
I agree .. family is the biggest obstacle when it comes to relocation.. it all depends on your vision for the future, if it’s a dream opportunity and something you have always wanted to pursue, then it may be a good idea to relocate for few years and then come back.
In most of the poorer countries or developing countries like most of the eastern and Asian countries, family concerns are quite intense, like one has to ask and respect decisions of elders and other family members before ultimately going for international relocation, and most of the eastern countries inhabitant don’t like relocation in western countries due to dramatic society and living changes, most people who do come have only one aim that is earning some money and going back to their native places
Nor do I think a big surprise, the family is even more valuable item we have in life. Of course, after comes the work as it is with him that we take care of the family.
It was the same for 90% of the friends I made who returned to the UK, to live a less extraordinary, but happier life with their families.
Very interesting.. sometimes you have to live a broad if the opportunity is there.. it’s a tough choice because at the end of the day home will always be home.
I’m from Mallorca and am married to a German woman. After 15 years living in Mallorca, we decided to go and live in Berlin for the sake of our children’s education.
I prefer to live in Mallorca, but I have very clear that first in my life are the future of my children.
Very good article Sebastian.
Amazing post, i liked!
Reiche’s article are always well analyzed and well written one.
I am not however surprised to see the rise in numbers of those having to relocate for their current job.
However, these challenges are not limited to the stage of selecting candidates for expatriation.
I’m 4 years now moved to Canada and I can say that this is something close to my home, having my parents back in my country it was a hard decision to make.
I agree .. family is the biggest obstacle when it comes to relocation..
It was the same for 90% of the friends I made who returned to the UK, to live a less extraordinary, but happier life with their families.
I can say from experience that although I loved my life in Barcelona, it was never going to be “home”.
However, these challenges are not limited to the stage of selecting candidates for expatriate.
Very good quality of information. Objective and impartial. Thank you for taking the time to clarify our doubts.
I tried to relocate to UK but my wife was the big problem. She was affraid.
What sort of statistics are there for immigrants from poorer countries?
Sometimes we think that a better level of education is decisive for us to maintain or move to a country like immigrants. But let’s not forget that children often suffer from cultural and social non-identification, and this even impairs school performance.
Good. I can back for my country because my children.
These are very interesting survey results. Thank you for sharing.
Although the rational responses like the kids’ education and the spouse’s career are given on the surveys, it is really these emotional considerations that causes them to stay where they are or to return from a relocation prematurely.
Thanks for Sharing.
Congratulations on presenting this very valuable content? I got doubts about this.
A hug…
I really liked this article. Question: Have these numbers changed a lot over the years?
This article ia very interesting.
The subject deserves further thought if we look at future perspectives on Trump government migration policies. We must also not forget the anti-terrorism wave in the European Union.
Good one. Thank you for sharing.
Family first. The world should not let this institution lose its real and great value that rules over society. The basis, the education, the future depends on families stabilized in every way.
I really liked this article. Question: Have these numbers changed a lot over the years
Muito bom seu Trabalho amigo.Continue assim compartilhando informação com as pessoas.
Congratulations on the article and so on.
Excelente artigo, no meu país o índice de desemprego é muito grande, e durante a copa do mundo, muitas pessoas ficaram aqui e isso só aumentou o índice de desemprego
Very good your article, congratulations
Another site that I will put in my favorites, congratulations
Congratulations, Its really nice post and very interesting. Thanks for sharing.
Leaving a family is the hardest thing to do when we are abroad. I’d think like “how I must survive in country of different people and different culture while I am away from the people I love”…
Perhaps the best way to work abroad is to bring the whole family to the country. It must be difficult for both sides (leaving and abandoned) if they have to split up for long periods of time.
Living abroad is not easy.. It’s a hard decision 🙁
God one. its amazing post. Id like to thanks for sharing it. Gongrats
God one. its amazing post. Id like to thank for sharing it. Gongrats
God one. its amazing post. Id like to thank for sharing it. Gongrats
Happiness is having a large, loving, caring, close-knit family in another city” – Staying alone & away from family is a really very difficult.
It is really true that children’s education and partner resistance as the most important expatriation challenges. The family concept of this era has been changed a lot. It is awfully reflecting the next generation.