An international corporation has implemented a dual-career policy for expatriate families. What is the primary strategic benefit of this policy in global talent management?

The primary strategic benefit of a dual-career policy is the increased success and retention of valuable expatriate talent. Spousal or partner dissatisfaction is a leading cause of assignment failure and premature return, which is extremely costly for organizations. By providing support for the accompanying partner's career, the company mitigates a major source of stress and dissatisfaction for the family unit. This enhances the expatriate's ability to complete the assignment successfully and increases their long-term loyalty and retention with the company post-assignment, protecting the significant investment made in global talent.

A. This policy typically increases, rather than avoids, costs, as it involves providing services like career counseling and job-search assistance.
B. While it may indirectly support gender balance, its primary strategic purpose is to ensure assignment success and retain key global talent.
D. This policy adds administrative complexity to assignment packages, requiring coordination of additional support services for the expatriate's partner.

1. McNulty, Y., & Inkson, K. (2013). Managing Expatriates: A Return on Investment Approach. Business Expert Press. (Chapter 5, "The Family Factor," details how spousal career concerns are a critical factor in expatriate failure and how support programs improve ROI through higher retention rates).

2. Shaffer, M. A., & Harrison, D. A. (2001). Forgotten partners: The effects of spouse adjustment on American expatriate adjustment. Journal of Applied Psychology, 86(2), 238–254. https://doi.org/10.1037/0021-9010.86.2.238 (This study empirically links spouse adjustment, including career issues, to expatriate adjustment and success).

3. Caligiuri, P. M., Hyland, M. M., & Bross, A. S. (1998). A theoretical framework for examining the relationship between family adjustment and expatriate adjustment. Journal of World Business, 33(1), 598-614. (Discusses the critical role of family and spousal support systems in preventing assignment failure).