When Cultural Distance Really Matters in Global Mobility

Episode DescriptionIn this episode, Ben introduces and discusses a well-known academic study on cultural distance and expatriate failure rates by Arup Varma and Chun Wang. Rather than focusing on whether cultural distance matters, the episode explores when it matters — and what organisations can actually do to reduce failure risk in global mobility assignments. What This Episode Covers• why cultural distance is often misunderstood in global mobility • how poor adjustment and premature return are used as indicators of expatriate failure • why cultural distance only becomes a major risk under certain conditions • the role of expatriate selection and performance management in reducing failure rates • how organisational practices can amplify or mitigate cultural challenges   Key Takeaways• cultural distance is not destiny — it amplifies existing weaknesses rather than creating problems on its own • performance management plays a critical role in assignment success, especially in culturally distant contexts • the greater the distance, the more intentional and structured expatriate management needs to be Why This MattersThis episode shifts the conversation away from blaming culture and toward examining organisational responsibility. For global mobility leaders, the findings highlight the importance of strong management practices in turning culturally challenging assignments into successful ones. Referenced StudyWang, C. H., & Varma, A. (2019). Cultural distance and expatriate failure rates: the moderating role of expatriate management practices. The International Journal of Human Resource Management, 30(15), 2211–2230. https://doi.org/10.1080/09585192.2017.1315443 HostHosted by Benjamin Bader, Professor of International HRM and co-founder of MasteringGM®. SubscribeSubscribe to Evidence, Insight, Impact — The MasteringGM® Podcast for short, focused episodes that connect evidence, insight, and real-world global mobility practice.