040227 KU Organization and Human Resources in International Firms (MA) (2017S)

The main goal of this course is to draw students’ attention to the importance and specifics of international dimension in modern HRM, to analyze the ways of dealing with challenges arising in the way of successful implementation of HRM policies as well as to learn the best-practice examples in the field.
Starting with the introduction of the specific features, distinguishing the international HRM from a broader field of HRM, the course consequently introduces the participants to the external and internal factors influencing the HRM practices of international firms. Further the discussion highlights the cross-cultural complexity and multidimensional nature of such fundamental practices as stuffing, recruitment, selection, as well as training and development of personnel in international firms. Also the subsequent analysis of performance management, motivational techniques and compensation policies in global firms gives an overview of the problems and best-practice solutions offered both by academics and practitioners in the field of international HRM. The discussion of the role of ethics and CSR in links the course to its final point where we look into the future in anticipation of the coming trends and challenges related to the management of human resources in global firms of XXI century.
Upon the completion of this course the students should be not only aware of the importance of international dimension in today’s HRM, but they should also be able to analyze the relevant activities of the firms operating in international environments and to come up with solutions to the existing or potential problems related to cultural, institutional and other aspects of global HRM. Managing expatriates, inpatriates and international employees means dealing with the differences in values, attitudes, expectations of both employees themselves, and the members of their families, and their larger communities. The international assignments can end up in disappointments and re-entries can face resistance. At the end of the course, the students should possess the knowledge about both general approaches and specific tools of managing these and other similar situations, and, moreover, they should be able to apply this knowledge in order to analyze the problems and offer efficient, theory-backed solutions for the real-world firms.
The core feature of this course is a strong focus on the link between theoretical concepts learnt during the lectures and their practical applications in the real world environments by real firms. In order to highlight this link, the theoretical concepts are being consistently explained using the multiple examples of international firms currently operating in the global environment. Even more importantly, during the course the students are supposed to work in small groups on the business cases illustrating the challenges and opportunities related to the HRM decisions of the international firms. Working through the histories of internationally well-known companies, analyzing the reasons for their failures and successes, students can use their knowledge in order to test the applicability of theoretical concepts and come with viable and scientifically-based solutions for the future.