Value orientations as predictors of cultural and business impact: individual suitability for cross-border assignments

Purpose ' This research was undertaken to further understand a 'values' based taxonomy designed to assess the 'cultural and business suitability' of managers for appointment to cross-border business and management roles. In particular, this paper explores the extrapolative and interrelated nature of a two-dimensional bipolar taxonomy of value orientations; as well as the nature and strength of the relationship between the model's predictors.Design, Methodology and Approach ' A sample of 262 cross-border managers working for a large transnational American owned logistics firm responded to this study. The group completed a questionnaire based on a two-dimensional taxonomy of value orientations. The dimensions tested were first a manager's values vis., their potential National Identity. Secondly; a manager's values vis., their potential cross-border business focus. Factor analysis and canonical correlations were employed to identify key factor constructs and then to evaluate the measurement fit between the constructs; also to examine any significant relationship between the identified constructs.Findings ' Results support both the extrapolative and interrelated nature of the taxonomy with significant results (p < .05) confirming the strength of the relationships between the identified constructs as potential predictors of 'cultural and business impact' and hence 'individual suitability' for cross-border assignments.Research Limitations/Implications - Whilst the research is limited to one large US-owned transnational logistics firm; the diversity of respondents, with respect to cultural background; age, gender and amount of experience, has not impacted results. Results suggest that awareness of both a manager's 'National Identity' and 'Cross-Border Business Focus', may provide useful additional information vis., a manager's cultural and business impact and hence assist in the selection of managers for cross-borderassignments.Practical implications - Results appear to provide useful insights into the potential 'cultural and business suitability' of managers; as well as the early identification of managers, for important cross-border business and management assignments.