Introduction
This is the first international HRM (IHRM) toolkit published by the CIPD.
This toolkit focuses on the core aspects of HRM we consider essential for all international
practitioners.
We start by exploring the strategic context in Section 1. We look at structure roles and culture.
In Section 2 we consider international talent management and provide an array of tools to both drive strategy and overcome the challenges of talent management on a global basis.
Section 3 covers tools and techniques for rewarding an international workforce.
Section 4 continues with the theme of talent management but here we focus on international talent development. Finally,
in Section 5, we cover the management of special situations including tackling crises and managing a variety of risky situations.
Picture this scenario:You are a senior HR business partner in an organisation based in the UK. It has just completed acquiring companies in Asia and the USA.
You have been informed you are to be promoted to the newly established position of Group HR Director. Your initial reaction is one of excitement, but also concern that,
although you are studying for the CIPD’s IHRM qualifications,
you have had no practical experience in dealing with IHRM issues.
Furthermore, you have travelled abroad extensively but have never visited the countries where the new subsidiaries are based.
You need to learn fast, but do not know where to start.
You know you do not have time to read much and need to get going quickly in a more practical way so as to establish your priorities and plans for moving forward.
You need some ideas and a few ‘quick wins’ to get things moving.
This Toolkit is targeted at people who, like the HR manager above,
are currently in HR roles in their own country and moving or contemplating a move into more of an international role. It is also useful for those already in an IHRM role, as it will help them
increase their capability and range of tools and techniques to use in an international setting. Finally, it will be useful for HR consultants working in this area. It doesn’t seek to replace existing textbooks or the CIPD’s course on ‘Introduction to International HRM’, but rather,
it complements these through providing a whole range of practical, downto-earth tools and techniques. Not only will it assist international HR professionals to do their jobs well,
it will ultimately help them to provide greater impact on the business than
they might otherwise.