HRM and Transnational Business Strategies

Transnational HRM strategies are increasingly becoming a necessary part of performance management as organizations large and small engage in cross-border approaches to production, trade and retail. In the regard that organizations must accommodate for the 'inpatriation' of personnel from nations where a domestic operation has established partnerships, or must prepare their own personnel for assignment abroad, sensitivity training, cultural training and other modes of preparation will facilitate easier transition for all parties.

For the organization addressed by the course project, there are a number of concrete demands instigated by transnational activities which have had a tangible and predictable impact on HR orientation. As the text by Dowling & Welch (2004) denotes, "a human resources department must engage in a number of activities that would not be necessary in a domestic environment: international taxation; international relocation and orientation; administrative services for expatriates; host-government relations; and language translation services." (Dowling & Welch, 5)

That stated, there still remains a considerable demand for further study in this area. As Aguilera & Dencker (2004) indicate, "although Human Resource Management (HRM) can play a value-added role in the merger process, existing research and evidence does not clearly demonstrate how it can do so." (Aguilera & Dencker, 1357) Thus, the organization in question is still adjusting to the demands placed upon it to accommodate new arrivals. In addition to language translation services, the organization in question could enhance performance from inpatriates by providing cultural counseling to help those arriving from other countries to understand certain basic cultural realities regarding life in the host country.

Works Cited:

Aguilera, R.V. & Dencker, J. (2004). The Role of Human Resource Management in Cross-Border Mergers and Acquisitions. International Journal of Human Resource Management, 15(8), 1357-1372.

Dowling, P.J. & Welch, D.E. (2004). International Human Resource Management: Managing People in a Multinational Context. South-Western College Pub, 4th edition.