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RESEARCH FOCUS -
INTERNATIONAL MANAGEMENT
Meetings
Research by Migrators, amongst others, indicates that meetings are a very necessary part of international
work assignments. They can prove extremely useful in a number of ways:
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Appreciating different work ethics |
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Ensuring comprehension |
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Obtaining agreement |
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Reporting
progress and other information |
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Understanding other cultures |
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Understanding other perspectives |
However, international meetings can be time consuming and expensive to hold. Therefore, care needs to be taken to ensure that the maximum benefit is obtained from them. Particular care needs to be taken with regard to a number of organisational aspects, these include:
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| Meeting Aspect |
Consider |
| Location |
Convenient to all. Or, rotating between partner sites |
| Timetable |
Start/ finish when stated. Keep to agenda timings
Have minor issues at start and finish, to allow for late arrivals or
early departures |
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Agenda |
Include domestic aspects,
such as breaks and departure times
Ensure there are clear sub-divisions for topics, with times |
| Briefings |
Before, for preparation.
After, to convey decisions / actions |
| Alternatives |
Video/Audio conferences, Local meetings,
Web meetings |
| Logistics |
Travel arrangements &
timing
Accommodation and transport |
| Language |
Use a common working
language. Or arrange translators / interpreters |
| Culture |
Be aware of any national,
religious or other traditions and requirements |
| Equipment |
Ensure any requested equipment is available, compatible and working |
Good organisational arrangements for a meeting will contribute to its success. A well
organized meeting will allow delegates to concentrate on the business of the meeting, rather than the arrangements.
Related areas within this Research
Focus topic, include:
Language
Coordination
Culture
Additional information is also
available on this Research Focus topic, these areas include:
Assessment
Communications Training
Resources
Return to the Introduction
page of this Research Focus topic.
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