The Impact of Cross-Cultural Training on Overseas Adjustment and Performance: An Integrative Review

Goals in overseas training for Navy personnel can include a greater productivity, command effectiveness, retention, and reduced turnover b easier adjustment to the normal stresses of overseas assignments and c improved overseas diplomacy. The objective of this project was to examine the research literature relevant to the effectiveness of overseas training in terms of these goals. Specific aims were to document the effects, types, and usefulness of various training approaches to document findings and techniques which can be readily integrated into existing Navy programs and to identify lacunae which should become the focus of future attention. To meet the objective, the project team examined relevant service and non-service research literatures. Literatures of particular concern were those focusing on types, processes, and the problems in implementation of various cross-cultural training programs individual change factors social support factors and organizational factors. The literature review was complemented by intensive discussions with principal in-service users, i.e., Navy personnel associated with the planning, administration, and conduct of cross-cultural training programs.