Module Code - Title:
PM6052
-
INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Year Last Offered:
2023/4
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
This module examines the substantive areas surrounding the area of international human resource management (IHRM). The development of IHRM as a research field is explored which will include examining how people management has changed as a result of globalisation. The course explores some of the main theories in the area including the universalist versus contextual paradigms and the convergence/divergence debate. More specifically, we consider some of the key functional HR areas in multinational companies (MNCs). These include the recruitment and selection of staff for a firm's international operations, international assignment preparation and cross cultural training issues and provision, pay and performance management, and employee representation and voice issues in MNCs.
Syllabus:
Introduction - The process of internationalisation; International and comparative HRM; HRM & Employment Relations (ER) in Multinational Companies (MNCs); Different Approaches to Understanding HRM in the International Context: Universalist versus Contextual Paradigms; Convergence and Divergence; Recruitment and Selection in the Context of Staffing International Subsidiaries; Knowledge diffusion and organisational learning mechanisms in multinational organisations; Cross Cultural Training for International Relocatees; Pay and Performance Management in MNCs; Composing the Compensation Package for the International Assignee; Global Employment Relations Management Employee voice in Multinational Companies; Managing HR in Multinational Companies: autonomy, coordination and control
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
1. Evaluate contemporary developments in the international business environment;
2. Assess the IHRM trends and developments arising from globalisation;
3. Evaluate the extent to which HRM systems are converging or diverging;
4. Display a deep insight into the HR practices employed by MNCs in Ireland;
5. Recognise the relationship between HR practices employed and factors such as country of origin and sector;
6. Comprehend the complexities of the various staffing options open to headquarter management in staffing international operations;
7. Identify the interventions required to assist in successful international assignments including how to develop balanced, effective cross-cultural training interventions, the assistance which should be provided to a relocatee on foreign assignment;
8. Assess the extent to which local subsidiaries have the discretion to manage their operations relative to the parent company headquarters.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
1. Appreciate the challenges of human resource management in an international context;
2. Be sensitive to cultural issues in international human resource management.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
This module seeks to develop theoretical insights along with the analytical and conceptual skills of participants and will be delivered primarily through lectures. Lectures will have a strong practical focus through the utilisation of case studies. The course will also draw heavily from the recent results of the largest study conducted thus far on HR practices in MNCs in Ireland (conducted by UL researchers) Students will be expected and encouraged to critically evaluate the different approaches MNCs adopt to workforce management.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Scullion, H and Lenihan, M. (2005)
International Human Resource Management: A Critical Text
, London: Palgrave Macmillan
Brewster, C., Mayrhofer, W. and Morley, M. (2004)
Human Resource Management in Europe: Evidence of Convergence?
, Oxford, Elsevier Butterworth Heinemaun
Hollinshead, H. (2010)
International and Comparative Human Resource Management
, London: McGraw-Hill.
Lavelle, J., McDonnell, A. & Gunnigle (2009)
Human Resource Practices in Multinational Companies in Ireland: A Contemporary Analysis
, Dublin: The Stationery Office (Government Publications).
Other Relevant Texts:
Brewster, C., Mayrhofer, W. & Morley, M (2000)
New Challenges for European Human Resource Management
, Basingstoke: Macmillan
Dowling, P. J. and Welch, D. E. (2004)
International Human Resource Management:
Managing People in a Multinational Context
, London: Thomson
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
MSIMGBTFA - INTERNATIONAL MANAGEMENT AND GLOBAL BUSINESS
MSHRMATFA - HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
MBHRMATPA - Human Resource Management
Semester - Year to be First Offered:
Module Leader:
tony.dundon@ul.ie