New research shows international HR managers create global culture

Launch event 3 October, Manning House, London SW1



A shift towards a more global approach to Human Resource Management is having a profound effect on the profession according to a report Globalising HR, being launched on 3 October at an event hosted by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.

Frances Wilson, Adviser, International HRM says, As organisations endeavour to survive global competition, they are tailoring their HR practices to the countries in which they are operating instead of having standardised global policies. With this shift comes a challenge to the profession to ensure their activities become less transactional, more strategic and aligned with business aims.

Professor Chris Brewster, co-author of the report and Georges Petitpas Memorial award winner* says, International HR professionals must develop the expertise and competencies necessary for working through global networks. Particularly in terms of being a strategic business partner, having political and technical skills for developing networks and relationships with business managers.

The case study research on global networks involving Diageo - where groups of human resource professionals get together to encourage the transfer of learning across the organisation - have taken on added significance. These now need to be formalised so that individuals can get insights into local business conditions and best practice.

Wilson believes international personnel professionals are the new guardians of national culture, helping to define the line in the sand between globally standardised and localised HR practices.

The report which draws on two surveys - involving over 700 international people management and development specialists, includes insights from seven case study organisations. It identifies the key competencies that need to be developed in the HR function of an international organisation; plus ways of measuring its effectiveness.

Wilson says, One of the most vital roles for global HR is the need to build and develop the capabilities of the organisation and key to this is being able to recruit retain and develop outstanding talent around the world. The real challenge being to understand what makes a really good person whatever their nationality want to stay with the company.

Wilson believes international HR now needs a real understanding of employer branding issues and talent management. She says, Any messages developed for potential recruits can''t be aspirational. They have to be grounded in what the organisation offers and what potential employees really want. What''s more, these messages must make sense in all the organisations markets worldwide.

* In 2002 Professor Chris Brewster was awarded the Georges Petitpas Memorial Award by the World Federation of Personnel Management Associations (WFPMA) in recognition of his outstanding contribution to international human resource management.