| The increased number of cross-cultural interactions in different settings due to the globalization of the world's markets has led to an increase of interest in research on the cross-cultural adjustment of U.S. business people. In a diverse and unknown cultural environment, it is imperative for managers to know how to learn on their own and how to adapt to a new culture. Self-directed learning skills might be helpful in fostering cross-cultural adaptability.;The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between self-directed learning readiness and cross-cultural adaptability among U.S. expatriate managers. The Self-Directed Learning Readiness Scale by Guglielmino (1977), the Cross-Cultural Adaptability Inventory by Kelley and Meyers (1992), and a demographic questionnaire were used to examine this relationship. The sample for the study consisted of 56 respondents selected from managers with prior international experience working for Motorola. Findings show that there is a significant positive relationship between self-directed learning readiness and cross-cultural adaptability (r = .692, p = .000). There is also a strong relationship between the total SDLR score and subscores on Emotional Resilience (r = .691, p = .000), Flexibility/Openness (r = .525, p = .000), Perceptual Acuity (r = .585, p = .000), and Personal Autonomy (r = .393, p = .003), the four factors of the CCAI. Therefore, self-directed learning readiness can be considered a quality that is associated with cross-cultural assignment success. The ability to learn, to understand self, and to understand what it takes to successfully adapt to another culture deserve particular attention of researchers and practitioners.;Recommendations for further research include conducting qualitative research with similar as well as different populations, identifying actual behaviors for self-direction and cross-cultural adaptability, in addition to perceptions, as measured in this study. It is recommended that self-direction and knowledge of self should be addressed in training and orientation programs for expatriates and their families. The Self-Directed Learning Readiness Scale by Guglielmino (1977) and the Cross-Cultural Adaptability Inventory by Kelley and Meyers (1992) can be useful in selecting (through self-assessment) and training processes to identify the qualities needed for international assignments and the skills to be developed. |
