Improper selection of the expatriates is another reason for expatriate failure. Despite their importance,
technical and managerial skills are not for the only skills required for effective international staffing.
More attention must be paid to interpersonal skills that help in cross-cultural adjustment (Lee 2007).
Another important factor that should be taken into consideration is the employee’s motivation and
feelings towards the assignment. With high motivation, they will consider the assignment aboard as an
opportunity rather than a restraint in their career development (ibid). It is also important to consider the
attitude of the spouse and children as well as their willingness towards moving and living aboard. For
example, spouse resistance and family adjustment were among the highest critical challenges for
expatriates (GMAC, NFTC & SHRM 2004). Also, 47% of assignment refusals were due to family
concerns (GMAC, NFTC & SHRM 2004).