Global Human Resources
Dr. Aris
Module Learning Outcomes
Discuss the opportunities and challenges of managing human resources in
the global business environment.
16.1: Describe how to develop a global team
16.2: Describe ways to engage a global team
The Global Environment
Learning Outcomes: Developing a Global Team
16.1: Identify the benefits of a geographically dispersed workforce
16.1.1: Describe the role of a global human resource manager
16.1.2: Describe the importance of nurturing global leadership
16.1.3: Describe the benefits of international diversity
16.1.4: Describe the challenges of international diversity
Global Human Resources Management
• GHRM Responsibilities
• Recruitment and Staffing
• Training
• Legal Compliance
• Employee Development
• Compensation
• Strategic Benefits
• Consistency
• Structure
• Control
Nurturing Global Leadership
• Global Mind-set
• Tolerate, accept, and understand diversity with an inclusive mindset
• A broad and universal perspective of business
• Think openly, free of cognitive cobwebs
• Mindfulness. A state of mind characterized by heightened awareness of self
and the surrounding environment, and to be non-evaluative and non-
judgmental in experiencing the present.
International Diversity
• Benefits
• Differing perspectives and viewpoints
• Sparks innovation
• Larger talent pool
• Insight into foreign markets
• Challenges
• Language barriers
• Cultural differences
Practice Question 1
Professional standards and etiquette are the same across the globe.
A. True
B. False
Practice Question 2
_____________ is the best way to nurture global leaders and ensure they have all
the knowledge and tools necessary to be successful.
A. Training
B. Compensation
C. Cultural immersion
Global Employee Engagement
Learning Outcomes: Global Employee
Engagement
16.2: Describe ways to engage a global team
16.2.1: Discuss cultural differences on a global team
16.2.2: Describe the causes of social distance
16.2.3: Describe how leaders can build trust across cultures
16.2.4: Describe how advances in technology have had an effect on virtual
teams
16.2.5: Identify methods of effective communication in global workforce
Cultural Differences
• How to identify cultural
differences:
• Learn
• Listen
• Ask
• Example: Greetings differ from one
country to the next and may
include:
• A handshake
• A bow
• A kiss on the cheek
Practice Question 3
After her business presentation with international clients, Rebecca asks her
audience if they have any questions. No one indicates they have a question to
ask, but Rebecca noticed a few of the clients whispering back and forth.
Rebecca begins to review the end of her presentation in her head to
determine if she said or did anything that may have been off-putting or
confusing. Rebecca is using which of the following strategies to navigate
cultural differences?
A. Learn
B. Listen
C. Ask
Class Activity: Cultural Differences
Working in small groups, students will research cultural differences from around
the globe. Assign each group one of the following categories to research:
• Body language
• Workplace etiquette and customs
• The work week
• Greetings and communication
• Cultural or religious accommodations
Each group will have 10 minutes to research cultural differences within their
assigned category. After completing their research, each group will share their
findings with the class and discuss how these cultural differences may create
challenges or misunderstandings in the workplace.
Present: Cultural Differences
Social Distance
• Social Distance: The degree of
emotional connection among
team members
• The 5 Root Causes of Social
Distance
• Structure
• Process
• Language
• Identity
• Technology
Building Trust Across Cultures
• Trust building looks different from
one relationship to the next and
may require differing amounts of
time and energy to establish it.
• Ways managers can build trust:
• Recognition
• Respect
• Consistency
Practice Question 4
What are the two key foundations of trust?
A. Character and behavior
B. Honesty and results
C. Results and character
D. Loyalty and consistency
Technology and Virtual Teams
• Virtual Teams are comprised of Individuals who work from different
geographical locations and use technology to work with their coworkers and
managers.
• Helpful Technology:
• Video Conferences
• The Cloud
• Webinars
• Project Manager Software
Practice Question 5
Which of the following was the first tool used to connect and manage a
geographically dispersed workforce?
A. Email
B. Video conference calls
C. The cloud
D. Audio conference calls
Effective Communication Strategies
Step #1: Learn and understand
cultural differences
Step #2: Utilize the following
tools/techniques
• Technology
• Translations
• Efficiency
• Establish meeting standards and
etiquette
Practice Question 6
Using a translator or translation service is a guaranteed way to eliminate
language barriers.
A. True
B. False
Practice Question 7
____________________ is the degree of emotional connection among team
members.
A. Agreeability
B. Social distance
C. Teamwork
D. Compatibility
Quick Review
• The role of Global Human Resources Managers is essential to maintain
consistency within international companies
• Understanding cultural differences is the key to successfully building and
leading an international team
• Focusing on trust and communication can strengthen the team
• Trust is typically determined by character or results, depending on the culture
• Distance is a challenge - both social distance and physical distance
• Social distance can be remedied by addressing the root cause (Structure, Process,
Language, Identity, Technology “SPLIT”)
• Physical distance can be addressed through the use of modern technology
Thank you for your attention!
