Case # 3 Jaguar or Bluebird

Discuss the reasons for Mark initially taking the international assignment.
When Mark decided to take an international assignment, it was because he was a bachelor and had an opportunity to start his career with an overseas with a Singapore subsidiary of Japanese consulting company. Traveling brought him much joy being able to take assignments to Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Malaysia. It was an easy decision for Mark because he enjoyed living and working overseas, giving him the opportunity to learn new cultures. His parents were young so there was no need for his assistance in watching after them, allowing Mark mind at ease while away.
His first career gave him the opportunity to travel and learn the business on an international level. Marks skills allowed him to be confident in his new endeavor; because his previous position gave him the experience. Mark’s management development experience along with his adequate training and development, which allowed Energem realize his common corporate values. He has everything M&A’s are looking for even the same common corporate values. He came with development and ready to transfer his knowledge of procedures and practices.
Discuss the benefits to Mark’s career for taking the assignment.
Mark reaped in the benefits for taking an overseas assignment, before and after marriage. Being an expatriate, it comes with a salary and benefit package. Now this type of thing varies depending on the assignment, Mark’s however was very generous. He was given a generous enough salary that allowed him to take care of his family without a second income. His wife Linda who was a Private banker didn’t need to work any longer. The new company purchased new house for him giving him the space he didn’t have back in Singapore. Allowing him to have a dog, something he wouldn’t have been able to have room for back home. Owning a car was something many back in Singapore wasn’t able to afford. Even cars that were considered affordable in other countries were considered luxury items there. It was the way the Government cut down on traffic congestion. However; Mark enjoyed the affordability of the cars in England some much so that he was able to buy two cars a Jaguar and Triumph convertible. The family enjoyed their quality time, since moving allowed Mark ample freedom to be with the family on weekends. Mark enjoyed the benefits meeting his neighbors, going to church, dinner parties, and picnics. Linda on the other hand enjoyed the role of a full-time homemaker, giving her the much needed time with their two children. Back in Singapore she hardly spent time with them, being as though her job required just as much time away as Marks. Living in England allowed Linda to share the important years with the children nurturing them they way she had dreamed of back in Singapore. Gardening, baking, planning events, walks in the park, and meeting neighbors are just a few things Linda was allowed to do. With a new life in England, a house and great salary; how could Mark turn down this opportunity of a lifetime.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of staying.
When Mark’s father in-law passed away it left his wife worried about her mother all alone in Singapore. Even thou life was great in England Linda couldn’t stand the fact that her mother was alone and up in age. With Linda long to return home, Mark was on the fast track toward success. All of the advantages of them staying were being slowly coming to an end when this tragic event happened. If they continued to stay and not go back home Linda would continue to lose her love of England and feel depressed that she left her mother alone in Singapore. However, Mark had his own reasons for wanting to leave England and return to Singapore; he felt that his children would benefit more being schooled in back home. The principles and values are different in England and Singapore, and Mark felt his children who are nearing school age would benefit being schooled at home. Reuniting with family Mark knew would bring joy to family and friends in Singapore.
Staying had many advantages when it came to work Mark was at the top and well respected in the Emergem company. He was showing his worth by giving results; while others in his department felt he was a token employee filling the diversity gap.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of returning.
Returning home is something Mark is on a mission to do, using his network connections to find other opportunities to return home to Singapore. He knows that by returning it would bring his family back to their roots; a place they will always call home. However, the job market wasn’t as welcoming as he hoped it would be. Because he had the experience Mark felt he would be able to get a job quickly. But that wasn’t true, he was turned down, rejected, and subjected to an offer that was low paying. Was he willing to take a pay cut to return home? Returning home was of importance to Mark, but taking a pay cut and losing a lifestyle he became accustomed to would be hard to leave.