Many Women Many Voices

The research project that Anne Copeland, Executive Director of The Interchange Institute, has been conducting over the past four years on accompanying spouses on international relocation is appropriately titled Many Women Many Voices. Over the years, this project has attracted a lot of attention from the relocation field. As more and more studies emphasize the importance of family adjustment to expatriate assignment success, this is one of the few projects that examines international relocation from the spouse's point of view. In examining what affects spousal and family adjustment, it explodes many common myths about moving overseas, and gives concrete, practical advice to HR managers and families about what they can do to optimize the chances for successful overseas assignments.

The study has been widely cited in the print media (Weekly Telegraph, Mobility magazine, Corporate Relocation News, and many magazines written for expatriates). Several articles about the study are on the Employee Relocation Council's list of required reading for those studying for the CRP exam. Additional, Anne has been invited to address audiences all around the world about the results (Women on the Move, CRN's North Atlantic Relocation Conference, Families in Global Transition Conference, and various other regional HR conferences).

At the request of those that have read or heard about the study, Anne has just written a final report of the project. It includes those findings that have a very real, practical action step connected to them. The full report includes the findings presented in a visually accessible way, with interpretation in non-academic language. It was written for HR managers and potential expatriate families, to help them know what they can do to make an overseas assignment successful for all involved. One of our participants wrote, "There are wonderful opportunities around the corner. My advice…is to keep an open mind, and view each new experience as an adventure." This report was written because we believe the results of this study can help more families feel this way.

If you would like to know more about the study please contact please contact Wendee Abramo on abramo@interchangeinstitute.org