A model for Shaping the Focus and Content of Cross-Cultural Orientation and Training (CCOT) Programs in HEIs in the United Arab Emirates
Dr David Kwame Quansah

Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to develop a model for shaping the focus and content of Cross-Cultural Orientation and Training (CCOT) programs for expatriate academics in higher education institutions (HEIs) in the UAE. The research design used for the study was the mixed method approach using a sequential technique. A total of 324 expatriate academics employed in three HEIs in the UAE responded to the questionnaire, and 57 of them participated in face-to-face interviews. Pearson product moment correlation, multiple regression, ANOVA, Survey Monkey’s categorize feature (text analysis), and content analysis approach (general inductive approach)were employed in analyzing the data. The results of this study confirmed that CCOT programs made a significant unique contribution to expatriate academics’ cross cultural adjustment and their intention stay. The findings also revealed that five distinct content areas were identified by incumbent expatriate academics as being the most important content areas to be included in any CCOT program. The scope of each content area is explained and discussed in this paper. In many instances, these five content areas overlap in regards to the issues that they address, and are in some cases interrelated. Although the purpose of this study is not to generalize, the researcher suggests future research involving host country nationals, students, faculty recruitment specialists, and CCOT specialists or consultants. By expanding the sample size and including various parties or stakeholders including different methodologies for data collection, this topic can be explored further, and the range of issues discussed in this paper can be expanded.

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