Deck 14: International HR Issues

Question 1

Would it be best for Victoria Oilfield Equipment to select a manager who is a local (citizen of Nigeria), a home-country national (citizen of the United States), or a third-country national (citizen of some country other than Nigeria or the United States)? Why?
2. Which of the factors to be considered would favor the selection of Henry Smith? Juan Lopez? Matthew Ohwueme?
3. Which candidate would you recommend? Why?

Answer 1

1.The social condition of N is not good because of several militant groups who are engaged in killings and kidnapping especially foreigners. It would be more beneficial if the manager for N facility is a local citizen of N. The local citizens of any nation better knows about the internal problems of his country and they better know how to tackle these problems. As several militants group are more interesting in kidnapping foreigners, so selecting home country citizen or a person from third world nation for N plant is more risky.
2.In context of HS, a US citizen: He is a suitable candidate for the job because he was graduated from prestigious Tex-s A M and serving VO Equipment for 10 years with outstanding track record. In addition, HS was never posted abroad, so in order to provide him global exposure HS should be considered for the post of manager in Nigeria.
In context of JL, a Venezuelan citizen: He is a suitable candidate because he possesses experience of more than 21 years and manages company's E project efficiently. Therefore, he is more suitable for the post of manager in N.
In context of MO, an N citizen: He is suitable candidate because he is the citizen of N. He understands the conditions of N more effectively than others. He is the owner of largest dealership of H in L. Therefore, he is suitable candidate for the post of manager in N.
3.After analyzing the profile of three candidates available for the post of manager in N, MO is considered to be most suitable person for the post. MO possesses extensive experience in dealership and he is a local citizen of N. MO can handle the internal problems of the country more efficiently than any other candidate. Therefore, he is recommended.

Question 2

What are the advantages and disadvantages of publishers and other employers outsourcing editorial work or other activities to Third World countries?
2. What changes, if any, would you suggest for the publisher to better serve their authors during the editorial process? Why?

Answer 2

1.One of the major advantages of outsourcing publishing and editorial work to third world countries is availability of cheap Labor. The labor cost in the Third World countries is very low in comparison of western countries. In addition, the cost of raw material (paper and ink) is also low in Third World countries which attract western corporate world to outsource their non-core activities.
Despite several benefits, there are also few demerits of outsourcing publishing and editorial work such as technology gap between developed and undeveloped nation. It results in conflict over usage of editing methods. Lack of communication may affect the quality of work and may delay the services.
2.One should properly manage the editorial process by clarifying the role to each party involved in the publication process. For instance, if A publishers Inc. is outsourcing editorial work, then it is the duty of publisher to communicate all relevant guidelines like expected design of manuscript, required changes and editorial procedures to the outsourcing company. In addition, authors should also be communicated about the expectation of editors from them. Therefore, role clarity is necessary to better serve their authors.

Question 3

What factors (individual, work, and organizational) contributed to Fred and Jenny Baileys' lack of adjustment to Japan?
2. What mistakes did Bailey make at work because of his lack of understanding of the Japanese culture?
3. What criteria would be important in selecting employees for overseas assignments?
4. What special training and development programs might have been beneficial to Fred Bailey and his family prior to his assignment in Tokyo?
5. Imagine that you are Dave Steiner and you receive a telephone call from Bailey in which he talks about his difficulties adjusting to life in Tokyo. How would you respond? What should be done now?

Answer 3

1.Factors contributed to FB and JB's lack of adjustment in J were as follows:
• Difficulty in adapting culture and language of J,
• Inefficiency in business deals,
• Non- cooperation from employees at workplace, and
• High inflation rate that is basic commodities are triple time expensive than US.
2.Generally, J businessmen, employees and workers do not respond instantly. FB committed several mistakes while operating T. For instance, being impatient, and taking wrong assumption in the context of J culture. Additionally, assigning report making work to W in a one week symbolizes the unprofessional behavior by FB.
3.Corporations should give more attention while selecting an employee for overseas assignment. The criterion for selecting should be based on following:
• Employee should know the national language of the foreign country,
• Employees should have reasonable knowledge regarding the culture of the foreign country,
• Willingness of an employee for staying in abroad, and
• Employee's family, number of dependents and social life should also be analyzed.
4.The Company should provide proper training and development to FB and his family prior shifting to T. Various training and development programs such as proper classes for J language and their culture, information regarding J economy and training to reduce stress are beneficial for FB and his family. These programs help FB to adapt the new culture easily.
5.On acknowledging about the problems of FB, D should offer FB to return back to US. As FB is one the most efficient employee in the company, therefore the company does not want to lose him. Moreover, if FB is not able to adapting themselves according to J culture, then it would be beneficial for the management to call him back. Alternatively, in order to stable the situation, the company can also arrange classes on J culture and language for FB and his family.

Question 4

Why are the views of the German managers and associates so different? What are the underlying cultural values that may be causing the differences?
2. Do you agree with the GAM's view that the best preparation for an international assignment is ''learning on the job'' instead of formal training programs?
3. What are the human resource problems associated with a multinational company adopting a global human resource management strategy rather than a local strategy for operations outside its home base?
4. Evaluate Dr. Kriek's approach and actions. Do you agree with the approach she took? Why or why not?
5. Evaluate her proposal for the cultural awareness and sensitivity workshop for management. What are its strengths and weaknesses? What effect do you think it will have on the managers?