| The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of training on the outcome of short-term international business travel. Twenty-one international business travelers and managers of travelers were interviewed using structured interview questions.; Twelve travelers and nine managers from 15 companies participated in the study. The interview questions began with whether training occurred, and included the types of cultural-, business-, and travel-related difficulties encountered, whether the traveler had previous experience, and traveler perceptions of the impact of having or not having training and/or previous experience. Managers' assessments of the impact of training and/or previous experience on the outcome of the trip were also reviewed.; Findings of the study indicated very little training was provided. Informal training for those three companies providing it included discussions with experienced travelers, brochures of travel destinations, and website references. Only one company provided classroom-style formal training, a four-hour business oriented program. Given the purpose of the trip, difficulties encountered rarely impacted the outcome of the trips.; Business implications were identified in a changing and demanding global economy. Recommendations were made for further study, including why training or preparation is not provided, business expectations of colleges and universities and investigation into the cost of lost business or opportunities relative to the cost of training. |
