This publication covers a doctorate research on characteristics of intercultural competence among international business assignees, based on theory and practice.Starting point was the notion that failure costs of failed international assignments are high, while at the same time the selection for international assignments is being carried out largely on basis of purely technical competences.This research considers intercultural competence as an important generic competence for international assignees, complementing other competences, such as technical competences. The research proposes a model of intercultural competence, consisting of both dispositional and more dynamic characteristics. This allows for the identification of specific characteristics that can be addressed either for selection or for training and development of international assignees.For the business world, the research aims to contribute to the reduction of failure costs of failed international assignments by improving selection processes and training and development of international assignees. For the academic world, it aims to contribute to the further development of theory on intercultural competence.