The Trans Cultural Challenge
September 7th, 2008 Posted by Anne Marie in Employer Branding, Global LeadersCorporations across all sectors seek to attract & recruit more professionals with an
international profile, when hiring externally. This is definitely a sign of the times. Companies have increasing commercial challenges on the global market place, in both emerging and mature markets. Strong international candidates, with the right corporate cultural fit and a well developed “open” mindset, can add significant value to companies in a diverse range of geographical regions.
Some typical qualities outside of the technical capabilities needed to succeed in a given
position are :
- Excellent linguistic capabilities
- Significant time spent outside of one’s country of origin
- Successful intercultural experiences
- Openness to mobility
- Ability to communicate successfully at different hierarchical levels
- etc…
Over the past 15 years, international academic exchanges such as ERASMUS, CEMS, TIME, among others, have played a huge role in encouraging foreign exposure and profound cultural experiences (for graduates right up to senior management). Leading international MBA schools have also been instrumental in driving mobility and professional networking opportunities for managers & executives across a large range of new frontiers.
International profiles are definitely more prevalent, nonetheless, it is a real challenge for
corporations to attract, recruit & retain the very best. Employers proposing REAL
international career development prospects do differentiate themselves from others, who often promise what they cannot deliver. Candidates seek a coherent & concrete dialogue from a future employer, plus evidence that existing employees are engaged, motivated, proud & enthusiastic to work for the company. They want to work in diverse teams, to manage across borders, to interconnect with a large range of different cultures and of course, to be successful.
Carlos Ghosn, CEO of RENAULT NISSAN recently received the INSEAD 2008 Trans Cultural Leader Award. Diversity, according to him, makes good business sense and can create competitive advantage. His interview is both inspirational and encouraging. Please take a look at the video.
Tags: Employee Value Proposition, International careers, Terra connecta, Transcultural Leadership
