HP has decided that the only way that its executives can get their heads around foreign customers is to ship them, and their families, to China for three weeks.

According to SiliconValley.com, HP is fed up with its US staff not really understanding foreigners.

Tom Hogan, senior vice president of HP Software, who hatched the plan, said it was not enough to eat a bowl of rice at the Hyatt Shanghai and learn how to say hello in Chinese.

He thinks three weeks is more than enough to understand the culture, particularly if they work closely with the company's regional leaders, as well as spend time with important clients.

SiliconValley.com points out that HP is not alone in developing such programmes. Long term postings overseas are becoming an important part of high flying executive careers.

The HP program, started in March, and apparently the Chinese greatly appreciate it when foreigners take the time to learn about their culture and develop closer relations. It must remind them of the Boxer Rebellion and the Opium wars. X

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SiliconValley.com