Chapter 15 - Managing Human Resources Globally

Brief Description

Its a growing trend for companies to enter the international market by exporting and operating foreign facilities. They need employees who understand customers and suppliers in other companies. They need to understand local laws and customs and be able to adapt their plans to local situations. The most important influence is the culture of each market. Countries are all different in how their labor markets are educated and trained. Some companies have different laws about how you hire and fire employees. You plan your staffing accordingly. Most companies hire employees from their local market, who have an idea of how the local job market works. Employees who are sent to operate in another country needs to be versed on how the local customs and culture are.

Emotional Hook

Would you move your family out of the country for a job? I know of a few people who took their family overseas to Japan or China to further their career. They had some pretty big advantages. One was that their kids got to experience a different culture. Another is that while they where there, all there expenses where paid, and the $80k /year went straight into a bank account. When he finally left his job, he was able to start his own business here back in the states.

Key points to elicit in discussion

Pay levels should be set accordingly to the local market.
Cultural issues like "women in the workforce" could be an issue with Muslim countries.

Facilitative Question

What organizations would benefit the most from outsourcing to other countries?
How would you staff it?