host-country national (HCN)

A host-country national (HCN) is a person who is a citizen of the country in which a foreign organization is doing business. HCNs are employed by foreign firms, typically as management staff, and are typically well-versed in the culture and language of the host country. For firms doing business in a foreign country, HCNs can be of special value because they are familiar with the country’s regulations, have specialized skills related to the local market and can bridge any potential cultural divide between the foreign organization and the local population. HCNs can also be of great value for providing access to information, people and resources in the host country that are difficult for outsiders to gain access to.