Examines the skills and qualities that are often needed by today's glo
bal managers. Describes a study in which 184 international managers ra
nked 13 statements of attributes according to their importance for con
ducting business affairs. Concludes from the results that qualities pe
rtaining to adaptability, flexibility, and comfortableness in dealing
with people from other cultures are often needed. Looks at two factors
produced from the results of rotated factor analysis. Labels these fa
ctors ''essential qualities'' (the attributes required by every manage
r) and ''supplementary qualities'' (the additional attributes required
for international assignment). Identifies nine illusions about requir
ed managerial qualities which are common in research and practice.