Training Strategy for Four Seasons Essay Example
Training Strategy for Four Seasons Essay Example

Training Strategy for Four Seasons Essay Example

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  • Pages: 7 (1825 words)
  • Published: February 17, 2017
  • Type: Essay
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The objective of this study is to explore the fundamental significance of comprehending cross-cultural dynamics and fostering efficient communication techniques for a global manager operating in the contemporary international hospitality and tourism industry. There are numerous obstacles faced by managers in this field, due to managing a progressively varied workforce. Factors such as increased globalization resulting in a broader global market, progress in telecommunications, enhanced accessibility and flexibility of management systems, along with worldwide technological proficiency have encouraged movement of labor across borders.

This essay aims to give a comprehensive synopsis of the pivotal role played by cross-cultural and intercultural awareness, knowledge and training approaches in shaping the International Human Resource Management (IHRM) strategy, which is critical for current and aspiring international hospitality managers. Also, a brief account of the financial a

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nd personal implications associated with the unsuccessful international assignment of expatriates will be presented. To get a better understanding of this, it is essential to first define International Human Resource (IHRM), for which various definitions are offered in literature.

Bhattacharyya (2010, p. 241) conceptualizes International Human Resource Management (IHRM) as "the process through which human resources are gathered, assigned, and utilized effectively in international corporations". The author further asserts that the central objective of IHRM is "to empower multinational corporations (MNCs) to achieve global success". In their definition of IHRM, Stahl & Bjorkman (2006, p. 1) also emphasize its relevance to MNCs, noting that "IHRM encompasses a broad spectrum of HR issues encountered by MNCs across various sectors of their organizations".

Torrington (1994:6) offers a slightly altered perspective by suggesting that IHRM is essentially HRM, but on a large

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scale. He notes that it involves more strategic complexities and demands more coordination as it navigates through more obstacles. Various (2010, p. 115) describes HRM as the management of human resources in terms of recruitment, selection, development, utilization, remuneration, and motivation within an organization. Additionally, Sims (2007, p. 79) distinguishes the primary differences between IHRM and domestic HRM in his work.

He articulates that IHRM encompasses a vast range of roles and diverse activities, necessitates constant adaptation to varying outlooks, demands closer engagement with the personal lives of staff, is more contingent on external factors, and finally, possesses greater risk compared to regular domestic HRM. According to Stolt (2010:3), IHRM's complexity dwarfs that of domestic HRM due to interactions with various other factors such as government and regulatory bodies.

According to the 2003 report by The World Travel ; Tourism Council, worldwide travel, tourism and hospitality represent the biggest industries globally. Not only this, but they are also the primary sources of job creation, accounting for over 194 million jobs around the world and generating more than $4.5 trillion in 2003 (Graen, 2004). Although most businesses in this sector are small-scale independents with a limited number of employees, there exists a minority group of influential global entities that hold significant sway over the industry through their brand recognition, improvement of services and innovation.

The continuity and accomplishments of multinational corporations heavily rely on the development and enhancement of various widely-distributed services worldwide in order to secure investment and increase their market share (Edgell, 2006; Yu, 1999). According to Yu (1999), due to their intrinsic international nature, hospitality and tourism sectors are global.

As a result, present-day hospitality managers are required to possess proficiency in handling a diverse workforce, adapting to their customer's multifaceted backgrounds, and respecting the local customs where they function (Pizam, 2005 p. 80).

Pizam (2005) highlighted that the global growth of hospitality and tourism industries has led to increased interaction with customers, employees, and investors from diverse cultural backgrounds. This essentially implies a fusion of personal and professional lives with worldwide tendencies. In this culturally rich world where different traditions and beliefs are intended for mutual exchange and integration, understanding and valuing each other's perspectives becomes crucial.

Many writers suggest that efficient control over a complex and diverse workforce can result in numerous advantages, including improved performance and global market success. These benefits encompass the ability to cater to multicultural clients' needs more effectively, strengthen decision-making abilities, foster creativity, and increase organizational adaptability. In certain cases, appropriate management could even lessen employee turnover and absenteeism rates. Moreover, it amplifies the potential to attract top-performing employees from overseas or a mixture of local and foreign talents, contingent on the local talent availability and business necessities.

To sum up, individuals from foreign nations can contribute to an organization in more ways than just providing a global viewpoint. They also possess multilingual capabilities and bring a rich set of experiences (Pizam, 2006; Buhalis, 2003; Yu, 1999; Sparrow, 2009). Hence, it's safe to say that intercultural awareness and sensitivity relate to the alertness and responsiveness shown towards various cultures and their representatives along with suitable corresponding actions.

The development of intercultural comprehension and consciousness, coupled with proficient communication skills, necessitates the acknowledgment of

various crucial elements. Eminent academics like Pizam (2005), Brotherton (2003), and Perkins ; Shortland (2006) emphasize the need to foster capabilities to manage both broad and specific cultural situations effectively. They contend that this is pivotal for success in global pursuits on the international stage. Acquiring a comprehensive cultural competency involves education and acquaintance with fundamental cultural knowledge and abilities, which can subsequently be modified to suit numerous diverse cultures.

Brotherton (2003) implies that candidates chosen for a managerial role with vital intercultural interaction should adopt culture-general traits. To avoid culture shock, they should face challenges in immediate training and development programs such as being informed about relevant laws like human rights and labor laws, language coaching, knowledge about demographics, traditions like national holidays and events, the history of the place, climatic conditions and geographical features, food habits, dietary norms, typical cuisine, gender roles, living accommodations, and education systems.

The significance of intercultural experience and informed understanding of prospects must be acknowledged in the selection process. This section is specifically dedicated to addressing the challenges and impacts faced by western hotel enterprises and their managers when entering the Russian hospitality business. These challenges encompass cultural and legal aspects, which are vital to be incorporated into managerial growth and learning strategies, bringing western management implications wherever required.

Jackson (2002) suggests that Russia's rating is quite high concerning utilitarian participation, which could point to potential functional relationships within a corporation. Moreover, when compared to an egalitarian dedication, Russia also ranks relatively highly in conservatism, indicating the possibility of substantial vertical collectivism. This could hint at individuals' preference for working cohesively or in groups.

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According to May, Borman Young, and Ledgerwood (1998), there are numerous pivotal issues or challenges pertinent to Russian human resource management that they urge Western firms to consider carefully upon venturing into Russian business landscape. Primarily, the underestimation of the complexities linked to a free market, coupled with dependency on imported solutions. They suggest that western managers should facilitate a blend of HRM that incorporates both free-market methods and respect for Russian culture.

Prokhorov (2003) highlighted the second issue regarding Russian employees' lower commitment towards their respective organizations, which could be a result of low personal responsibility and accountability in the workplace. This presents a significant cultural hurdle that needs to be overcome by Western managers. Consequently, Yu (1999) suggested in her work that when handling the mentality of an Eastern post-Soviet workforce, Western managers should incorporate elements such as reward systems and promotions, and emphasize the value of each employee within the organization as a crucial component of the whole.

Prokhorov (2003) talks about complex and perplexing legal matters that are often not easily grasped by Western management methodologies. These problems include a misunderstanding of health and safety protocols where Western businesses could lead by addressing these matters comprehensively, contributing to the overall well-being and competitive strength of the company. In addition, Jackson (2002) suggests that uncertainty about compensation and benefits administration due to a scarcity of data and standards can challenge foreign management systems in their routine functionality.

In her study regarding the application of expatriate managers in Russia, D’Annunzio-Green (2002) highlights that the attempts of these managers to establish and persistently uphold high quality service standards often fell short

due to distinct service attitudes from Russian employees. This is particularly prevalent among employees above 30 years old, who continue to adopt behaviors influenced by the previous conventional Soviet system of the communist era.

In such a framework, Russians would never express discontent or critique towards a service, regardless of its quality. Consequently, a lack of customer-focused service is still evident among a large number of employees. The author further emphasizes that it is not always possible to implement and adapt western management techniques and operations to the eastern tourism and hospitality industry because of differences in cultural and organizational operational contexts.

Research in the fields of hospitality and tourism, concentrating on a managerial evaluation of essential skills for a global career in these sectors, emphasizes the significance of varied communication abilities when dealing with individuals from different cultural origins. Key requirements are self-confidence, cultural sensitivity, professional experience, adaptability, flexibility and patience (Bhattacharyya, 2010; Jackson, 2002; Sims, 2007).

The focus is on self-assurance and the capacity to function effectively in intricate, multifaceted settings with occasional constraints in resources. Emphasis is also given to the comprehension of international rules, the capability to grasp complex global operations, and manage stress proficiently. Technical skills and functional qualities are considered less critical. The unifying theme among these studies suggests that adapting to multicultural or intercultural environments and demonstrating competence in maintaining relationships with important parties like investors, employees, suppliers, and broader society pose greater challenges than developing technical or functional abilities within the realm of global business.

Several pieces of evidence and validation point to the ineffectiveness and failure in the performance of expatriates.

Works by Bhattacharyya (2010), Jackson (2002), and Sims (2007) showed that qualities such as adaptability, flexibility, and communication skills in a foreign cultural setting, along with motivation, were largely beneficial for expatriates' performance. Furthermore, Pizam (2005) and Sparrow (2009) identified a clear relationship between high sensitivity to cultural differences and a lower level of cultural shock.

Acknowledging the importance of training is vital for the prosperity of global companies. The incorporation of intercultural training significantly aids employees abroad and their families, thereby enhancing productivity and task fulfillment for their respective organizations. Leveraging training as a beneficial instrument promotes improved assignment results and guarantees victory.

In the broad strategic planning of business operations, human resource management usually plays a crucial role. As such, incorporating cross-cultural training into business strategy and managing it strategically is essential. This training not only provides advantages to employees but also elevates the efficiency of cross-cultural skills in international corporations. With globalization becoming increasingly prevalent, there's a pressing need to concentrate specifically on improving expatriates' awareness and comprehension of the varying cultures they work within.

To maintain a dominant or influential place in an intensely competitive landscape, investing in one's own workforce can dictate either win or loss. Companies ought to seriously reflect on the benefits of intercultural training and the substantial direct and indirect costs of expat inefficiencies. In essence, the future success of international businesses relies on deep understanding and awareness of diverse cultures.

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