US–China Relocation Support

Industry: Industrial Manufacturing

A United States Fortune 100 manufacturer of heavy industrial equipment was finalizing a joint venture project with a Chinese partner in Xuzhou and was sending a new project manager from the US to reside in Shanghai to handle the team integration. The new project manager would be responsible for identifying and mitigating risks to success of integrating the US and Chinese operating teams. He did not have experience in China and was moving there with his wife and young children. The overall goal of our engagement was to work with the project manager on a framework for identifying cross-cultural variables that could impede a successful integration, and also to provide a higher level of comfort for him and his family regarding the move to China.

Our approach:

• Understand the priorities of the project manager in his new job, and any specific concerns about the physical move
• Explain some of the core values and cultural context that influence Chinese business behavior
• Analyze how variations in outlook and cultural norm may impact his approach to dealing with his stated priorities
• Facilitate an assessment of where there may be risks to integration plans as a result of the above
• Work on ways to address and mitigate risks, including development of a communication strategy and message for a Chinese audience
• Meet with the family to discussion any concerns with the move, preview and discuss what some of the initial adaptation issues may be, and strategies to overcome
• Conduct a follow up meeting three months after the move

Results:

• A high degree of confidence by the project manager in how to approach the initial ninety days of his job and how to "hit the ground running".
• The family was excited by the move and felt prepared leading up to the move.
• The family settled in well and the project manager was able to embrace the new environment both on a business and personal level, increasing the chance of overall success during his China posting.

Other Projects