| According to Anxiety/Uncertainty Management Theory, the automatic response to an unfamiliar environment is to reduce the uncertainty and anxiety that comes from encountering the unknown, thus contributing to the satisfaction and comfort of the individual. Extending AUM Theory has led theorists to speculate that it is possible to experience "anticipatory adjustment" to an unfamiliar culture before arrival, and that this pre-departure preparation can facilitate subsequent adjustment. This multiple case study explored the perceptions of the value of pre-departure cross-cultural training held by four accompanying spouses; two of whom had received such training, and two of whom had not. While the spouses were divided in their opinions of the value of cross-cultural training, their discussions brought forth other factors that may contribute to cross-cultural adjustment: degree of cultural novelty; in-country company support; previous expatriate experience; and personality factors, including orientation to action, extraversion, adventurousness/curiosity, flexibility, open mindedness, cultural empathy, and positivism/negativism.;Key Words: cross-cultural training, spouse, anxiety/uncertainty reduction, satisfaction with life, cross-cultural adjustment. |
