Overview
Managing Human Resources Across Borders focuses upon the HR policies and practices in firms operating in multiple countries, regions, or other jurisdictions. It draws upon research from the field of International Human Resource Management (IHRM), which synthesizes knowledge from both International Business and HRM. The course examines the complexity and influence of different economic, regulatory, social contexts upon firms’ HR policies and practices. These policies and practices range from employee recruitment, international assignments, compensation, training, cross-border acquisitions, and offshoring/outsourcing strategies. It also explores the important role of human capital and knowledge transfer in supporting firms’ international business strategies. Contemporary issues in IHRM include diversity/inclusion, ethical employment practices, and corporate social responsibility toward employees in multiple jurisdictions. This course will be of interest to both managers and HR professionals working in: (i) multinational enterprises (of any size, both profit and non-profit), or (ii) domestic firms who are considering a possible international expansion.
Objectives
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
- Explain why countries remain different in the ways that they conceptualize and conduct HRM
- Assess the tension faced by multi-national enterprises (MNEs) between global standardization and local adaptation of its HR strategies, policies, and practices
- Outline how employment practices are embedded in distinctive national contexts, including key issues when developing HRM policies and practices in different host country environments
- Compare different staffing options available to MNEs, including the motives for using international assignments
- Discuss the importance of HRM in executing international M&A strategies
- Explain the importance of knowledge sharing for the competitiveness of the multinational enterprise
- Explain the challenges in developing and implementing diversity management strategies in a global context
- Discuss how ethical employment practices can contribute to sustainable business success and social development in MNEs
Evaluation
To receive a passing grade in this course, you must meet these minimum standards:
- receive a minimum of 60% on the participation component (i.e., [provide names of applications where participation needed]); and
- receive an average grade of 60% over all course components.
| Activity | Weight |
| Course participation | 40% |
| Assignment 1 | 25% |
| Assignment 2 | 35% |
| Total | 100% |
Materials
Digital course materials
Links to the following course materials will be made available in the course:
Reiche, B. S., Harzing, A. W., & Tenzer, H. 2019. International Human Resource Management. 5th edition. Los Angeles: SAGE Publishing.
Other Materials
Library readings, online readings, and videos.