Implications for International HRM

Diversity of various types in a global company suggests that HRM practices have to be tailor-made to suit the local conditions. Such practices can be seen in the context of different HRM functions. Recruitment and Selection A global company has the following alternative approaches to recruitment and selection of employees: Ethnocentric-all key positions, in headquarters as well as subsidiaries, are staffed by parent-country nationals. Polycentric-key positions in subsidiaries staffed by host-country nationals and those in headquarters staffed by parent-country nationals. Regiocentric-key positions staffed by host-country nationals within particular geographical regions (such as continent-wise). Geocentric-key positions in headquarters as well as subsidiaries staffed by people based on merit, irrespective of their nationality. Different MNCs adopt different approaches for recruitment. For example, a survey of recruitment practices adopted by MNCs reveals that 50 per cent MNCs believe in geocentric approach while 35 per cent MNCs believe in ethnocentric approach and key functionaries Continue reading

Bills for Collection

Under Bills for Collection method of international trade payments, since a bank acts as an intermediary, the seller does not have to depend on the buyer only. But here the bank’s role is only in the process of routing the documents of transport/title along with other documents. The seller draws documents in terms of the contract that it has entered into with the buyer, hands over those documents to the bank with clear instructions as to the mode of collection- whether goods are to be delivered against payment or against acceptance of documents and a bill of exchange on the basis of which he can get payment after due date of exchange and if for instance that bill is not paid for some reason the seller can fall back on the Bill of Exchange law and can take action under that law to get payment. While the buyer does not Continue reading

Theories of International Investments

International investments mean investments beyond borders. International investments refer to investments by entities of a nation in nations other than their own. Foreign investments involve export of capital. The opportunity for International investments is directly emanating from economic reformist policies adopted by most of the countries of the world including centrally planned and command economies. Liberalization, Privatization and Globalization (LPG) are vigorously pursued by the countries giving an up-thrust on investment opportunities. Broadly there are two types of foreign investment, namely, foreign direct investment (FDI) and foreign portfolio investment (FPI). FDI refers to investment in a foreign country where the investor retains control over the investment. It typically takes the form of starting a subsidiary, acquiring a stake in an existing firm or starting a joint venture in the foreign country. Direct investment and management of the firms concerned normally go together. If the investor has only a sort of Continue reading

Pre-Shipment Inspection

Pre-shipment inspections (PSI) is defined as the certification of the value, quality, and/or identity of traded goods done in the exporting country by specialized agencies or firms on behalf of the importing country. Traditionally used as a means to prevent over-or under-invoicing, it is now being used as a security measure. Pre-shipment inspections are required when mandated by the government of the importing country. Governments assert that pre-shipment inspections ensure that the price charged by the exporter reflects the true value of the goods, prevent substandard goods from entering their country, and mitigate attempts to avoid the payment of customs duties. Pre-shipment inspections are typically performed by contracted private organizations. In most cases, importers can select from a short list of these organizations when planning inspections. However, sometimes one firm is appointed to carry out inspections for a given country on an exclusive bases.  Inspection costs are generally paid either Continue reading

Managing an International Workforce

Whenever an organization expands its operations to other countries, it tends to become multicultural and will then face the challenge of blending various cultures together. The managerial personnel entering another nation need to adjust their leadership styles, communication patterns and other practices to fit their host country. Their role is to provide fusion of cultures in which employees from both countries adjust to the new situation seeking a greater productivity for the benefit of both the organization and the people of the country in which it operates. Read More: Human Resource  Management  from an  International  Perspective Managing Workforce  Diversity Managing International  HR Activities Selection Criteria for International Assignments Barriers to Cultural Adaptation Managers and other employees who come into a host country tend to     exhibit     different     behaviors     and     somewhat, see     situation     around them from their own Continue reading

Global Market Models and Concept Analysis

Managers must be conscious that markets, supplies, investors, locations, partners, and competitors can be anywhere in the world. Successful businesses will take advantage of opportunities wherever they are and will be prepared for downfalls. Evidently, successful managers, in this environment, need to understand the similarities and differences across national boundaries, in order to utilize the opportunities and deal with the potential downfalls. In developing appropriate global strategies, managers need to take the benefits and drawbacks of globalization into account. A global strategy must be in the context of events around the globe, as well as those at home. International strategy is the continuous and comprehensive management technique designed to help companies operate and compete effectively across national boundaries. While companies’ top managers typically develop global strategies, they rely on all levels of management in order to implement these strategies successfully. The methods companies use to accomplish the goals of these Continue reading