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The Case Of The Floundering Expatriate

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The purpose of this paper is to identify and to characterize the problems and their causes listed in the case of the Floundering Expatriate, also to recommend solutions to those problems. We see three major issues lying at the heart of the problems of the multicultural business organization according to The Case of Floundering Expatriate article. These are culture, communication, and leadership and motivation. Bert Donaldson’s resume is impressive: he was a professor of American studies in Cairo, Egypt for 5 years and while in the Unites States, Bert made major improvements to the organizational structure by implementing cross-functional teams, achieved considerable cost reductions, and much more. He also had very good personal characteristics: Bert was charismatic, very sharp, a hard worker, and a good leader within the US. But why Bert Donaldson didn`t have much success when he was transferred to work in Europe? Mr. Donaldson was a star performer in the States, but when he is trying to apply the same approach in Europe, he does not have much success and support, he feels anxious, confused and strained. It looks like in Europe Bert is experiencing a cultural shock. The cultural issues have come to a fore since the arrival of Donaldson who has struggled to come to terms with European culture. He is unable to adjust and as such he has not been as successful in transforming the European subsidiary like he had in Detroit. Cultural issues we see as the core

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