Phallapa PetisonJohri, LalitMahidol University. College of Management2010-08-302011-08-292017-11-102010-08-302011-08-292017-11-1020102008Management Decision. Vol.46, No.5 (2008), 743-760.https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/3118Purpose In order to identify expatriate roles in a subsidiary it is necessary to go beyond those functions which are subservient to the headquarters. This paper sets out to prescribe a new spectrum of development roles with respect to varying capabilities and development needs of local employees. Design/methodology/approach The roles of expatriates are analyzed based on seven case studies conducted with top automobile manufacturers in Thailand: Toyota Motor Thailand; Hino Motors (Thailand); Honda Automobile (Thailand); Isuzu Motors (Thailand); BMW (Thailand); DaimlerChrysler (Thailand); and Auto Alliance (Thailand). Findings Four types of expatriate roles commander, conductor, coach, and connector are proposed; the roles correspond to the degree of task readiness and managerial capabilities of local employees. Practical implications The paper provides a tool that will help expatriates understand their roles according to the technical skills and managerial capabilities of local employees. Originality/value The paper offers practical advice for diagnosing expatriate roles and their training prior to assignment to a subsidiary.32906 bytesapplication/pdfengMahidol UniversityExpatriatesHuman resource managementAutomotive industryThailandSkillsArticleEmerald Grouphttps://doi.org/10.1108/00251740810873743