International Human Resource Management (in English) -- Spring Semester Only

Course Description

This course aims to provide a review of International HRM, and an understanding of its complexity and relevance. This course focuses on the challenges companies may face in an international context, analyzing theoretical frameworks and policies, programs, and practices implemented. This course will be taught both online and on-site (except for those few who will follow this whole course online). 

 

Course Goals and Methodology

The main objectives of the course are to enable you to  

1. Know the differences between Domestic HR practices and International HRM practices.

2. Understand the additional complexity of HRM in an international context.

3. Understand the importance of International HRM to organizations.

4. Be able to identify some of the key features of HR challenges facing organizations working internationally.  

5. Understand the impact of the culture in IHRM

6. Understand other issues involved when managing people worldwide.  

The means to attain these objectives include a thorough study of class notes, slides, case analysis and discussion of current events, students’ presentations, and in-class small group discussions.  

Learning Objectives

Through this course, students will:

• Define basic concepts from the field of IHRM.

• Understand the complexity and the relevance of HRM practices within the context of a multinational environment.

• Recognize and value cultural differences, and the impact of culture on HRM.

• Design and evaluate best practices adapted to a different context.  

 

Bibliography  

Basic texts

- Reiche, Stahl, Mendenhall & Oddou (2017). Readings and Cases in International Human Resource Management. Sixth Edition. Routledge: NY and London.

 - Nkomo, S.M., Fottler, M.D., & McAfee, R.B. (2016). Human Resource Management Applications: cases, exercises, incidents and skill builders, 7th Edition. South-Western Cengage Learning: USA.  

- Brewster, C., Sparrow, P., and Vernon, G. (2009) International Human Resource Management. (2nd edition), CIPD House, 151, The Broadway, London, SW19 1JQ.

- Jackson, T. (2009).  International HRM: A cross-cultural approach, Sage Publications: London. 

 

Course Requirements and Grading

Your final grade will be calculated as follows:

• Quizzes (20%)

• Mid-term Exam (20%) 

• Final Examination (20%)

• Final Project (and presentation) (20%)*

• Class participation (20%)

All assignments, quizzes and examinations will be announced during the lessons. 

 

Course Contents

UNIT I: INTRODUCTION TO IHRM.

• Defining HRM

• Basics on HRM: HR departments & HR managers, Functions and practices.

• Defining IHRM

• Differences between domestic and international HRM  

UNIT II: THE IMPACT OF CULTURE  

• Concept

• Elements of culture

• Cultural Environment and HRM: Culture´s dimensions; Individual perspectives.  

UNIT III:  Expatriates:

• International approaches to HRM  

• Expatriates. Global careers.  

UNIT IV:  INTERNATIONAL HRM PRACTICES:

 • Planning on HRM

• Recruitment and Selection

• Training and Development