The Electricity Supply Board (ESB) is Ireland's national electricity utility. ESB has increased and broadened its overseas operations. In 1989, activities were reorganized into a related group of companies under ESB International (ESBI), which is in turn wholly owned by ESB. The majority of ESBI's business, and consequently revenues, arise outside Ireland. ESBI overseas staff are in direct, daily contact with clients, and their expertise and ability to perform effectively overseas are therefore critical factors in the success or otherwise of the company. This study aimed to review expatriate performance in the company, to ascertain the main factors that impinge on performance, and to identify how performance might be sustained and improved.