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 aims to explore 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/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 viz., 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 <0.05) 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‐border assignments. Originality/value – 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.