Multinational companies are significantly increasing the number of international assignments, but the effectiveness of their expatriate policies varies, according to a survey by Mercer Human Resource Consulting, the global leader for HR and related financial advice.

      Some 44 percent of multinational companies report an increase in the number of international assignments to and from locations other than the headquarters over the past two years, according to Mercer’s 2005/2006 International Assignments Survey. The survey provides the latest practices and policy developments in employee mobility management among approximately 200 multinational firms worldwide, and across a variety of industries.

      Much of the increase in the number of international assignments is due to the widespread use of short-term placements which have become more prevalent over the past few years. “Short-term assignments are popular because they are generally more cost-effective than long-term assignments and they allow companies to transfer skill sets quickly and easily,” said Yvonne Sonsino, a principal with Mercer in London. “However, for short-term assignments to be successful, companies need to develop well-defined policies to manage costs and limit risks.

      According to survey findings, while the majority of multinational companies (84 percent) place employees on short-term assignments, only about half (56 percent) have a formal policy for...

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