Even spending a lot of time on short-term overseas assignments without having to relocate can entitle executives to a 20% 'disruption allowance'.

I have had several long-term overseas assignments while working for an international company.

Men get to the top by seeking out powerful mentors, demanding overseas assignments, attending executive programmes of top business schools and making sure they are in business critical roles.

In contrast, the tax-free allowances paid during overseas assignments (especially the housing allowances) are generally considered to be an incentive to serve overseas, as they can be quite generous.