ABSTRACT
As a multinational expands its operations to emerging markets, it must manage its human assets to ensure that it keeps its ability to be competitive. Human resources are critical to enable a multinational to implement and realize its strategic objectives. International human resource management deals with managing human resource functions at an international level. The chapter considers the unique circumstances pertaining to workers as well as more upper-level expatriates. In the section pertaining to workers, you learn how the various human resource management functions of recruitment, selection, training, performance appraisal and compensation differ from country to country. Specifically, you read about how both cultural and institutional aspects affect these functions. In the section on expatriates, you learn about the unique challenges facing MNCs as they send upper-level employees on international assignments. You read about the high costs of expatriates and the high level of failure. The chapter also suggests some of the things companies do to ensure expatriate success. You also read about the situation facing women as they embark on international careers. As more companies go international and hire individuals from different countries, they will face important challenges with regards to the human resource management function. If these multinationals want to get the best out of their employees, they will need to deal with these employees appropriately. This chapter presents you with the many challenges and solutions to deal with such human resource management functions.
