According to the survey findings, 61 percent of respondents had been offered an international assignment and among them, four-fifths (83 percent) had moved out of their country of origin for a career opportunity. Sixty-three percent said the current economy would not affect their decision to take an overseas assignment, while 22 percent said they were more likely to accept an international post if offered during an economic slow down.
Not surprisingly, 83 percent of respondents felt that international assignments have the potential to accelerate career growth. A full 82 percent said they would commit to an international assignment for a year or longer, with 24 percent willing to move for more than five years. Only 12 percent of respondents said they would not take an international position for any length of time.
Overwhelmingly, the largest barrier to accepting an international post is family considerations (62 percent), followed by language (13 percent), difficulties returning to country of origin (eight percent), security (five percent), cost (five percent) and living standards (four percent).
"Today's leaders have to be globally aware and understand a variety of international markets, economies and cultures to support their career growth," said Gary Burnison, Chief Executive Officer of Korn/Ferry International. "The allure of the emerging markets presents significant career opportunities in a time of great change. Our survey results demonstrate how willing executives are to be mobile, which is increasingly a prerequisite for top management in global companies."
