A survey of expatriate employees of the Higher Colleges of Technology to evaluate the pre-arrival orientation package

Abstract

The major purpose of this paper was to evaluate the pre-arrival orientation package that all new expatriates receive from the orientation committees at the Higher colleges of Technology. To collect the data for the study, questionnaire packets were sent to each of the six campuses. Each packet was addressed to the Executive Assistant to the Director who had been instructed to distributed them only to the expatriate employees. Of the 118 questionnaires distributed, 85 were returned. Nineteen (19) of the 85 were disqualified because they had been hired locally without any orientation, giving 66 or a total return of 55.9 percent. The findings of the study showed that the majority of the respondents thought that the pre-arrival orientation package was generally acceptable. The majority also stated that for the most part, the pre-arrival orientation package portrayed an accurate picture of the Higher Colleges of Technology and life in the Emirates. Most respondents thought that the Emirates was a lot more Westernized than they expected. There were some mixed views about the status of women in the UAE and also about the clarity of the contract. Most people were able to bring appropriate clothing based on information in the orientation package. The respondents thought that the information on furnishing and housing could have been much better. All respondents would have liked a college calendar showing what career vocations are taught and the courses the they would have to teach. Knowing what they know now, most respondents would have accepted the job and would also recommend the job to their friends. Based on the findings of the study, the writer recommends that the Higher Colleges of Technology set up orientation committees at each city, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Al Ain, that oversees the orientation package. The information needed to be kept current by performing ongoing surveys on new employees. The committee should also provide feedback to Central Services who provides information on contract and housing.