Firms likely to post more staff to India, China: Survey

Almost four out of 10 (39 per cent) of companies plan to increase expatriate staff over the next five years, according to a new research report, 'Up or out: Next Moves for the Modern Expatriate', from the Economist Intelligence Unit, the business–to–business arm of The Economist Group, Companies are far more likely to send expatriate staff to China, India and other Asian countries than to any other emerging market region. The Middle East, Russia and Eastern Europe combined are the next most common destinations.

Executives are keen to be part of the global and mobile working trend. Four in five executives believe that an assignment in a `major emerging market' aids career progression, the survey revealed. "This survey shows that globalisation is forcing companies to review their approach to where they locate their operations and how they manage human resources and property. The needs of global, mobile and flexible workers are exacerbating the challenge of providing a right-sized workplace infrastructure for a reasonable cost" said Mark Dixon Global CEO of Regus who sponsored the survey.

The survey conducted in July this year covered 418 senior executives working in 77 countries. Over half were board level or C-suite; the rest were in senior management roles.
The survey results were supplemented with in-depth interviews of senior executives and independent experts knowledgeable in the field.