Multinational organizations operate in a complex environment, facing unprecedented levels of competition, fast-paced economic changes, rapid technological development, deepening geopolitical tensions, increased migration, and demographic shifts. Success in such dynamic circumstances is only possible if they can find and nurture the human resources they need to conduct their business – resources that are growing in strategic importance as a source of competitive advantage. The course will cover the fundamentals of international human resource management in a global context, from both organizational and individual perspective. After reviewing the evolution of HRM as an organizational function and as a field of study, we will examine the key aspects of multinational companies (MNCs) face when managing employees on a global scale. (e.g., impact of institutional environments and cultural values on HRM, transfer of HR practices within MNCs, basics of global talent management, key HR activities). From an individual perspective, the course will also examine the benefits and challenges of pursuing a career across borders and discussing key issues that tend to arise in the work and career of globally mobile professionals (e.g., should one undertake global mobility and what type of global mobility, how to best leverage the developmental opportunities mobility provides, individual and organizational responsibilities in managing individual global careers). The course is highly interactive and is designed to maximize student learning and create a positive environment in the classroom by balancing time dedicated to lecture, discussion, cases, and engaging exercises.

The course designed to help students develop their understanding of the challenges and strategies associated with Human Resource Management (HRM) in a global context and gain skills needed to navigate the complexities of effectively managing HRM in multinational organizations. Upon successful completion of the course, they will be better able to:

• Explain the HR function and role as a strategic business partner and the key HR competence requirement in a complex global and local context;
• Explain key theories, models and frameworks relating to International HRM (IHRM);
• Describe and discuss the cultural, institutional, and organizational factors that shape HRM in MNCs;
• Understand what global HR managers do and the key activities in which they engage;
• Understand the factors that contribute to successful rollout of HR practices globally;
• Critically analyze human resource management challenges and assess how context impacts the suitability of different HR policies and practices;
• Apply IHRM theory and research findings to various organizational settings;
• Examine the strategic role of global mobility within MNCs and the challenges involved in managing it;
• Differentiate between different types of global work roles and identify the opportunities and challenges that each can bring;
• Gain insight into the experiences of global employees and understand the various paths to crafting a global career;
• Consider the intersection points of migration and HRM in organizations;
• Develop their ability to take a holistic approach to examining the complexities of operating (and working) across borders;
• Demonstrate improved research, presentation, and critical thinking skills.

Regular attendance is a requirement to pass this course. Please note that any absences will negatively impact one’s participation grade.

Students must be present for at least 80% of the scheduled sessions. Students who fail to meet the attendance requirement will be de-registered from the course. According to WU regulations, valid reasons for missing scheduled sessions are those outside the control of the student (illness, accident, death of a close relative). Professional and work obligations are not valid reasons, as students have the course schedule in advance and should be able to plan accordingly.

Please note that successful in-class participation involves not only physically attending class but also frequently and thoughtfully contributing to the discussion by answering questions, engaging in a thoughtful analysis of the discussed cases, building on other students’ ideas, actively participating in activities, and synthesizing across readings and discussions. You are expected to have read in advance all the required reading materials and cases and be prepared to discuss them.

The course is comprised of lectures, case analyses, discussions, and a student team research project. It is highly interactive and aims for intensive student involvement. Thus, success in this course depends on students fully engaging and participating in class discussions and activities. Although the teaching methods will vary, the objective will always be the same: to improve the students’ understanding of how a firm’s approach to managing human resources changes in a global context and how an organization can leverage the opportunities and minimize the challenges associated with operating globally.

Note that the class will be conducted in English.

Assessment will be based on both individual and team performance. Breakdown of assignments* with percent of total grade as follows:

• In-class participation (assessed by instructor and peer evaluations) -- 25%
• In-person exam (during exam period) -- 40%
• Case analyses (two cases analyses, conducted in pairs or small groups) -- 10%
• Group research paper -- 25%

* Tentative assessment schedule that may be altered depending on the number of class registrants. ** Addition information on assignments will be provided at the start of the course.

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