Ep.34: Reverse Culture Shock with Michelle Cummings-Koether and Stefan Remhof

Show notes

Summary: In this episode of the Global People Mobility Insights podcast, guest Michelle Cummings-Koether talks with host Stefan Remhof to unpack the complexities of reverse culture shock for employees returning from international assignments.

She explains how repatriates often feel like outsiders in their own culture, experiencing emotional and psychological challenges similar to initial culture shock. Michelle emphasises the importance of proactive organisational support and shares best practices for making the repatriation process easier. She also shares her thoughts on emerging trends in global mobility like the growing need for soft skills and intercultural training.

Key Takeaways:

• Reverse culture shock is a common yet often overlooked phenomenon for employees returning home after international assignments, with symptoms echoing those of culture shock.
• Preparation and awareness are crucial in minimising the impact of reverse culture shock, helping returning employees reintegrate more smoothly.
• Psychological contracts—the unwritten expectations between employer and employee—play a critical role in assignment success, and breaches can lead to mistrust and high turnover.
• Organisational support is essential during repatriation; providing resources and open communication helps address the challenges faced by repatriates.
• Global mindset and leadership are indispensable in today’s interconnected world; investing in these skills equips employees to navigate diverse environments with confidence.
• Emerging trends in global mobility reveal a shift towards online preparation for assignments, though face-to-face support remains vital.
• Soft skills and intercultural competence are increasingly valuable in the global workplace, as companies recognise their role in cross-cultural adaptation and leadership.

Speakers: Stefan Remhof is Managing Partner of the People Mobility Alliance and Professor of International Management at IU International University. He has profound expertise in the fields of global mobility, expat management and international assignments.

Prof. Dr. Michelle Cummings-Koether is a Professor of Intercultural Management at the European Campus Rottal-Inn, specializing in diversity, leadership, and international management. She coordinates the DIT "Intercultural Competences" certificate and serves as editor for both the Journal of Applied Interdisciplinary Research and the Bavarian Journal of Applied Sciences.