A meta‐analysis of the effects of cross‐cultural training on expatriate performance and adjustment

Corporations are increasingly relying on cross‐cultural training of expatriate managers to reduce personnel costs. Previous research has shown consistent validity for different training methods. This meta‐analysis investigated the available empirical literature, identifying 16 studies for expatriate adjustment (total n = 2270) and 25 studies for expatriate performance (total n = 2490). Mean effect sizes were lower than in a previously published meta‐analysis and were significantly different from zero for both performance (r = .26) and adjustment (r = .13). Until the effects of potential moderators are better understood, prescriptions for cross‐cultural training design should be made cautiously.