Commissioned by risk consultancy firm Control Risks, the survey also found that less than half offer any form of in-house or external security support to their staff in the event of an emergency.
The survey of 1,039 employees suggests US business travellers are far better catered for, with around three-quarters having access to support services within their company or from outside.
Control Risks say that, given the results, it is ‘hardly surprising’ that over half of all staff surveyed would consider legal action in the event of an incident being mishandled.
Many travellers believe their employers have a legal obligation to advise and support them when abroad on business. The survey shows that in the UK, 90% of staff wrongly believe statutory laws are in place to protect them overseas.
However, Control Risks say that there have been many civil cases brought against corporations, as well as scores of out-of-court settlements. They warn that while legal action can cost corporations financially and damage reputations, the more serious damage can be caused internally, to morale and confidence in management.
The survey suggests that the blame is not only with the manager. Nearly two-fifths of business travellers said they never did any research on the political or social climate of the countries they visited.
