The need for protection for company staff by military forces may well be a significant factor in the company's resolution of its overall relationship with the military forces. Once stated, they are frequently changed and, in many cases being political, will be outside the control of the victim corporation. At times, cash demands are included in an overall ransom package by intermediaries for personal gain. The release of prisoners and repatriation of exiled minority groups. Time Hostages are held for widely varying periods of time - but these can be extensive, with 150 days not being uncommon.
Time alone results in significant management disruption and consequential costs.
Multiple Hostages Third World abductions frequently involve multiple hostages and this raises problems of dealing with families in different countries, as well as complex inter-company contractual relationships. Underpinning these liaison difficulties, the families of the hostages will continue to look to the companies for a solution, even in the face of intractable political demands. Geography Geography will be a significant and complicating factor. In many cases, the controlling company may be communicating into a remote and inaccessible area through one or more subsidiaries or associated companies who may themselves be in different countries with attendant time and language difficulties. Government Involvement Demands are likely to impact upon a number of governments and others may become involved in the process of communications and negotiation.