To compete in this global business environment, companies are sending more people on international assignments. Over the past five years, the vast majority of European, North American, and Asian multinationals have sent more people on international assignments than in the previous five. Over the next five years, a strong majority expect a continued increase, and only a small percentage predict a decrease. The fundamental reason for this increased need for international assignments is to facilitate the global integration and coordination of firms' worldwide operations. Still, the specific objectives can vary.
Some assignments are quite technical in nature.
It might be a ten-month assignment to install a new computer system in a German subsidiary. Or it might be a two-year assignment to transfer a particular technology to a joint venture in China. Other assignments, however, are more strategic in nature. It might be a three-year assignment to turnaround an ailing unit in France, or launch a new manufacturing operation in Vietnam. Whether an assignment is technical or strategic in nature, each has great personal and professional developmental potential.