Managing a Global Workforce

Question 1

Globalization

Answer 1

The inevitable integration of networks, nation-states, and technologies to a degree never witnessed before - enabling to reach around the world faster, farther, deeper, and cheaper than ever before

Question 2

How global forces should be approached

Answer 2

• through careful analysis - understand which events are significant for the org
• viewed in terms of their connections - home office, subsidiaries, industry, goals, etc.
• unique cultural connotations

Question 3

4 Components of a successful global org

Answer 3

1. physical dispersion - org operates in multiple countries
2. diversity of thought, people, and culture that is actively leveraged by a strategic objective
3. unified through a single org identity
4. global for a reason

Question 4

Push factors for globalization

Answer 4

• new markets
• natural resources and talent supply
• cost pressure and competition
• government policies
• trade agreements
• globalized supply chain

Question 5

Pull factors for globalization

Answer 5

• strategic control
• government policies
• trade agreements

Question 6

Headquarters maintains tight control over subsidiaries, who are expected to follow values, policies, and practices of headquarters

Answer 6

Ethnocentric orientation

Question 7

Subsidiaries are allowed a large measure of independence as long as they are profitable, may plot own paths based on business and cultural contexts of their countries

Answer 7

Polycentric orientation

Question 8

Subsidiaries are grouped into regions, coordination within regions is high, but not as high between region and headquarters

Answer 8

Regiocentric orientation

Question 9

Headquarters and subsidiaries are participants in a network/team, each contributing its unique expertise

Answer 9

Geocentric orientation

Question 10

Emphasizes consistency of approach, standardization of processes and products, and a common corporate culture across global operations

Answer 10

Global Integration

Question 11

Adapting to the needs of local markets and allows subsidiaries to develop unique products, structures, and systems

Answer 11

Local Responsiveness

Question 12

Globalization strategy where firm exports a product or service to foreign countries. May open facilities abroad, but processes and strategy are developed in home country

Answer 12

International

Question 13

Globalization strategy where org is a decentralized portfolio of subsidiaries. Goals and strategies are developed locally because of competitive demands, knowledge is shared locally

Answer 13

Multidomestic

Question 14

Globalization strategy where firm views the world as a single global market and offers global products with little national variation. Strategy, ideas, and processes emanate from headquarters

Answer 14

Global

Question 15

Globalization strategy where firm locates its value chain activities in most advantageous geographic locations. Subsidiaries can adapt global products/services to local markets, knowledge is shared throughout org

Answer 15

Transnational

Question 16

Decisions are made at headquarters. Decisions apply to strategy and coordination and focus on standardization of processes and integration of resources

Answer 16

Upstream Strategy

Question 17

Decisions are made at local level. Decisions aim at adapting strategic goals and plans to local realities

Answer 17

Downstream Strategy

Question 18

Extent to which diversity is embraced, location differences, and product/service offerings and brand identity may be adjusted to accommodate local cultures

Answer 18

Identity Alignment

Question 19

Extent to which underlying operations (IT, finance, HR) integrate across locations

Answer 19

Process Alignment

Question 20

Company transfers portions of work to outside suppliers rather than completing internally, with the goal of reducing costs and freeing up personnel/resources

Answer 20

Outsourcing

Question 21

Relocating processes or production to another country (most commonly to lower costs)

Answer 21

Offshoring

Question 22

Relocation of business processes or production to a lower-cost location inside the same country as the business

Answer 22

Onshoring

Question 23

A company contracting part of its processes or production to an external company located in a country relatively close/within its own region

Answer 23

Near-shoring

Question 24

3 Strategies to address challenges of remote teams

Answer 24

• communication reviews
• site visits
• cross-cultural communication and diversity training

Question 25

Value of understanding global job classifications

Answer 25

Allows HR to more clearly identify the relative value of a job position in the org, regardless of where work is done/local conventions

Question 26

Global strategy for assignments

Answer 26

• use a wide variety of global assignment types
• choose high-potential managers and top execs as assignees
• view assignments as leadership, career, and org development opportunities
• make assignments for many reasons other than remedial/situational

Question 27

Employee who is being re-assigned to an international jurisdiction, lasting 1-3 years

Answer 27

International Assignee

Question 28

Anyone who is not a citizen of the country in which they reside and doesn’t intend to become a permanent resident

Answer 28

Expat

Question 29

Spend their entire careers in international assignments, moving from one locale to another

Answer 29

Globalists

Question 30

Hired locally in subsidiary countries

Answer 30

Local hires

Question 31

On assignment for less than a year but more than a few weeks

Answer 31

Short-term assignee

Question 32

Travel across a country border for work regularly

Answer 32

Commuter

Question 33

Ad hoc or contract workers hired for a single assignment

Answer 33

Just-In-Time Expatriates

Question 34

5 Steps to Global Assignment Process

Answer 34

1. Assessment and Selection
2. Management and Assignee Decision
3. Pre-departure Preparation
4. On Assignment
5. Completing the Assignment

Question 35

Reintegrating the employee back into home country after an international assignment

Answer 35

Repatriation

Question 36

Employee moves to next assignment not in home country

Answer 36

Redeployment