Question 1

Jim Simmons,an American,has worked for a U.S.firm's Italian operations for two years with great success.Now,the company wants Jim to relocate to Turkey to establish a new division.The company will most likely offer Jim a ________ to reward him for moving from one assignment to another.

Accepted Answer

A mobility premium is offered to employees who relocate to new assignments, and it compensates them for the inconvenience, stress, and expenses of moving. Since Jim will need to move to Turkey to establish a new division, a mobility premium is the most appropriate reward that the company will likely offer him.

Question 2

A formal repatriation program should do all of the following EXCEPT ________.

Accepted Answer

A formal repatriation program is designed to assist employees who are returning to their home country after a period of international assignment. The program typically includes support with logistics, such as finding housing and transportation, as well as help with career planning and resume updating. The program should also keep employees informed about activities at the home office and reassure them of the company's concern for their welfare. However, the program is not typically responsible for seeking compensation and benefits on behalf of returning employees. That is usually handled through the company's HR department or other related personnel.

Question 3

The most significant HR challenge faced by international firms is the language barrier.

Accepted Answer

While language barriers can be a challenge for international firms, there are many other significant HR challenges such as cultural differences, legal compliance, managing a diverse workforce, and talent retention.

Question 4

Frank Williams is being sent to Saudi Arabia for two years to work for his company's Saudi affiliate.Which of the following suggestions should Frank follow to minimize his chances of being the victim of a kidnapping?

Accepted Answer

Arriving at the airport close to departure time minimizes the time spent in potentially vulnerable areas, reducing the risk of kidnapping.

Question 5

Legally mandated holidays range from five weeks each year in Luxembourg to none in Great Britain.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. Luxembourg has one of the highest legally mandated holiday requirements in the world, whereas Great Britain has no statutory minimum of paid holiday.

Question 6

The majority of multinational corporation management positions are filled by expatriates.

Accepted Answer

While some management positions in multinational corporations may be filled by expatriates, it is not necessarily the majority. In recent years, many companies have made efforts to increase the number of local employees in leadership positions.

Question 7

Which of the following is a best practice used by firms that develop effective global HR systems?

Accepted Answer

Creating a global network of specialists helps in understanding diverse cultural and legal environments, ensuring that the HR system is effective and adaptable across different regions.

Question 8

Hourly wages for production workers in the United States are higher than those in Germany.

Accepted Answer

Hourly wages for production workers in Germany are generally higher than those in the United States due to stronger labor laws and unions.

Question 9

All of the following characterize European labor relations EXCEPT ________.

Accepted Answer

The answer of All of the following characterize European labor...

Question 10

________ refers to bringing a manager back home after a foreign assignment has been completed.

Accepted Answer

Repatriation refers to the process of returning an expatriate manager or employee back to their home country after completing their foreign assignment. It involves readjusting to the home country's culture, work environment, and reconnecting with friends and family members.

Question 11

Codetermination means that employees have a legal right to voice opinions and preferences in setting company policies.

Accepted Answer

Codetermination is a system in which employees are given the right to participate in the decision-making process of a company. This includes having a say in company policies and practices. In some countries, codetermination is legally required.

Question 12

Which of the following was determined by a study of six international firms that have successfully established global HR systems?

Accepted Answer

The study found that successful international firms develop HR systems that are universally acceptable and can be effectively implemented across different locations, rather than relying solely on local managers or expatriates.

Question 13

Third-country nationals hold citizenship in three countries.

Accepted Answer

Third-country nationals are citizens of a country other than the parent or the host country-for example, a British executive working in the Tokyo branch of a U.S. multinational bank.

Question 14

Which of the following is a true statement regarding expatriates?

Accepted Answer

Research indicates that a significant number of expatriates leave their companies within a few years of returning home, often due to dissatisfaction with their career progression or reintegration challenges.

Question 15

Which of the following is most likely NOT covered by kidnapping and ransom insurance policies?

Accepted Answer

Kidnapping and ransom insurance policies typically do not cover the cost of weapons used in the kidnapping.

Question 16

In China,a structured interview process is the typical method for selecting employees.

Accepted Answer

In China, a structured interview process is commonly used for selecting employees. It involves a set of predetermined questions asked in a specific order to ensure consistency and fairness in evaluation of candidates.

Question 17

A major challenge for international businesses is the need to adapt personnel policies and procedures to the differences among countries.

Accepted Answer

International businesses operate in different countries with different cultures, labor laws, and employment practices. Therefore, they need to adapt their personnel policies and procedures to comply with local regulations and cultural expectations. This can include differences in recruitment processes, compensation and benefits, working hours, and performance evaluations. Failure to adapt can result in legal and financial consequences, as well as damage to the company's image and reputation.

Question 18

The official length of a work week in the European Union is 40 hours.

Accepted Answer

The EU sets the workweek at 48 hours, but most EU countries set it at 40 hours a week.

Question 19

Which of the following is recommended to firms to ensure that local managers find a global HR system acceptable?

Accepted Answer

Developing a strong corporate culture helps ensure that local managers align with the global HR system while respecting cultural differences and fostering a unified organizational identity.

Question 20

U.S.employers are required to attempt recruiting U.S.workers before filing requests to fill positions with foreign workers.

Accepted Answer

This is known as the labor certification process, which requires employers to demonstrate that there are no qualified U.S. workers available before hiring foreign workers.

Quiz 17: Managing Global Human Resources