Page 174 - DMGT548_GLOBAL_HRM

Unit 9: Global HR Issues in the Host Context

This second approach offers an appealing logic: if objectives have been defined in advance, there Notes
should be associated measures and thus no difficulty in collecting and interpreting the data.
Most managers simply cannot attend to twenty measures at once let alone optimise them despite
company rhetoric that may implore them to do so. In fact, imputing significance to each of these
measures may only push the problem of devising a meaningful performance measurement
system down to the level of each frustrated individual (Eccles and Nohria, 1992). But as Morgan
(1992) points out, this method also runs the risk of being too superficial. It is not enough to know
that a specific practice or activity has worked to a greater or lesser extent. To be of real benefit
there must be enough information to understand why the specific outcome has occurred, and to
incorporate the lessons learned.
A third approach to HR performance monitoring, one which is currently the vogue, is through
the process now known as Benchmarking. Benchmarking denotes a comparison with selected
performance indicators from different organisations, typically in the same industry, or with
comparable organisations that are considered to be "best in class". The most obvious points of
comparison are with close competitors, but some organizations have gone beyond their industry
group to identify best practice wherever it can be found. Xerox, for example, where benchmarking
has been credited as one of the main factors in its 1980s revival, has benchmarked railways,
insurance companies and facilities that generate electric power.

Self Assessment

State whether the following statements are true or false:
14. Working across borders and cultures there is a need for lateral flexibility and to adapt
work practices and organizational forms appropriately.
15. According to Morgan (1992), there are five approaches to develop an effective performance
monitoring system in the area of human resource management.
16. The relationship between performance measures is often complicated and non-linear,
however, making multiple measures a virtual necessity.

17. Most managers can easily attend to twenty measures at once let alone optimise them
despite company rhetoric that may implore them to do so.
Traveling and living in an unfamiliar culture can be incredibly exciting, but it can also present
significant challenges. Some of the differences you identify in the host culture will be obvious:
language, climate, clothing, food, etc. Other differences, however, will not be obvious, and you
may not notice them at first. These differences can cause feelings of uncertainty, anxiety, and
frustration, as you feel cut off from the cultural cues and patterns with which you are familiar.

Remember that experiencing these stresses is a normal part of the cultural adjustment process.
The best defense is educating yourself about the host culture prior to departure, recognizing the
symptoms, and developing healthy strategies.



Caselet Sumitomo Metal Industries
umitomo Metal Industries (SMI) was established in 1897. Today it is one of the
leading companies in the Japanese steel industry although it has also diversified
Sinto construction engineering, plant engineering, systems engineering, electronics,
advanced materials and biomedicines. It has a one trillion yen turnover, of which 80%
Contd...

LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY 169