An Alternative To Expatriation Using Virtual Mentoring

Authors:

Keywords: Formal mentoring, Virtual mentoring, E-mentoring, Expatration

Abstract: The recent global pandemic restricted travel and gave many employees exposure to virtual work. We propose that this familiarity with virtual work be used in international assignments. More specifically, we argue that combining short-term travel with virtual mentorships between a mentee in a home country and a mentor in a host country will improve the likelihood of success for the “virtual expatriate” in an international assignment. In this paper, we integrate formal mentoring, virtual mentoring, and expatriation examining the benefits and challenges to the mentor, mentee, and sponsoring organization.