1. What are the strengths and weaknesses of the performance review technique used by Baker?

2. Should Baker have anticipated Rennalls’ reaction to his performance review? Why?

3. What issues of cultural sensitivity are germane for understanding the case? Was it the performance review or Baker’s interaction style that prompted Rennalls’ resignation?

4. Why was Baker’s extensive international experience not helpful in dealing with Rennalls?

5. If you were Baker, what would you do now?

This is a relatively short case that nevertheless has strong lessons regarding expatriates and the challenges they face in their overseas assignments. The case begins with Baker, a British expatriate, considering how to approach Rennalls, a local but well-connected manager in fictitious Barracania. Baker will be leaving Barracania and therefore needs to appoint a successor. To do so, he meets with Rennalls for a performance appraisal. Baker decides to make a breakthrough with Rennalls by discussing what he thinks are strengths and weaknesses of Rennalls. However, not surprisingly, Rennalls finds the performance appraisal (and Baker’s comments) very offensive and resigns the following day.