An Experiential Approach to Cross-Cultural Learning: A Review and Integration of Competencies for Successful Expatriate Adaptation

This article outlines a taxonomy of skills necessary for cross-cultural learning based on Kolb's experiential learning theory. Review of the empirical literature on expatriate adaptation identifies 73 skills that cluster into 10 thematic cross-cultural learning competencies. From this list, we propose here 7 essential and 2 developmental competencies for learning from cross-cultural experience. We describe the process of cross-cultural learning as the interaction between person and culture. We propose relationships between culture, learning, and success in cross-cultural adaptation and extend the concept of learning style to account for the influence of culture. Finally, we explore the implications for management development and education pedagogy.