Human Resource Management - Assimilation policies

Assimilation policies

The introduction of a considerably revised pay structure means that policies have to be developed on how existing employees should be assimilated into it, based on their needs and job evaluation and also the point they achieve in terms of outcomes/ results. These policies cover where they should be placed in their new grades and what happens to them if their new grade and pay range mean that their existing rate is above or below the new scale for their job, also consider the promotion is to be done or not.

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Human Resource Management (HRM) is the process of managing people in an organization to achieve its goals and objectives. HRM involves planning, recruiting, selecting, training, developing, rewarding, and retaining employees. Assimilation policies are the strategies and practices that aim to integrate new employees into the organizational culture and values, and foster a sense of belonging and commitment.

International HRM (IHRM) is the application of HRM in a global context, where organizations operate across different countries and regions, and face various challenges and opportunities related to the diversity and complexity of their workforce. IHRM requires adapting HRM policies and practices to the specific needs and expectations of different cultures, legal systems, labor markets, and business environments. Assimilation policies in IHRM are especially important to ensure the alignment and coordination of employees across different locations and subsidiaries, and to facilitate the transfer of knowledge and best practices within the organization.

Some of the factors that influence the design and implementation of assimilation policies in IHRM are:

• The degree of standardization or localization of HRM policies and practices across the organization. Standardization refers to the adoption of a uniform and consistent approach to HRM, while localization refers to the adaptation of HRM to the local context and preferences. The choice between standardization and localization depends on the degree of integration and differentiation of the organization's strategy, structure, and culture, as well as the external pressures and opportunities in the host countries.
• The type and level of international staffing and mobility of employees. International staffing refers to the selection and deployment of employees from different countries to work in the organization's foreign operations. There are three main types of international staffing: ethnocentric, polycentric, and geocentric. Ethnocentric staffing involves sending employees from the home country (expatriates) to fill key positions in the host country. Polycentric staffing involves hiring local employees (host-country nationals) to fill most positions in the host country, while reserving some positions for expatriates. Geocentric staffing involves hiring the best available employees (regardless of their nationality) to fill any position in the organization. The level of international staffing and mobility depends on the organization's strategic objectives, the availability and cost of talent, and the legal and cultural barriers and incentives in the host country.
• The mode and extent of cross-cultural training and development of employees. Cross-cultural training and development refers to the provision of learning opportunities and support for employees to acquire the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to work effectively in a multicultural environment. Cross-cultural training and development can take various forms, such as pre-departure orientation, language courses, cultural awareness programs, mentoring, coaching, and feedback. The mode and extent of cross-cultural training and development depends on the nature and duration of the international assignment, the degree of cultural distance and diversity between the home and host countries, and the individual characteristics and needs of the employees.

Some of the benefits and challenges of assimilation policies in IHRM are:

• Benefits:
  • Assimilation policies can enhance the performance and productivity of employees by reducing the uncertainty and ambiguity associated with working in a foreign context, and by increasing their motivation and satisfaction.
  • Assimilation policies can improve the communication and collaboration among employees by fostering a common understanding and appreciation of the organizational vision, values, and norms, and by facilitating the sharing of information and ideas.
  • Assimilation policies can strengthen the organizational identity and culture by creating a sense of belonging and loyalty among employees, and by reinforcing the organization's reputation and image in the global market.
• Challenges:
  • Assimilation policies can be costly and time-consuming to design and implement, as they require a thorough analysis of the internal and external factors affecting the organization and its employees, and a careful evaluation of the effectiveness and outcomes of the policies and practices.
  • Assimilation policies can encounter resistance and conflict from employees who may perceive them as a threat to their autonomy and identity, or as a source of unfairness and discrimination. Employees may also have different expectations and preferences regarding the degree and mode of assimilation, depending on their cultural background, personality, and experience.
  • Assimilation policies can create tensions and trade-offs between the organization's need for integration and coordination, and the employees' need for diversity and innovation. Assimilation policies may also have unintended and negative consequences, such as reducing the creativity and adaptability of employees, or creating a false sense of homogeneity and harmony.

Some of the sources that you can use for further research and reference are:

• New International Human Resource Management Approaches and Multinational Enterprise Strategies: This chapter discusses the challenges associated with MNEs managing their increasingly diverse workforces, and the new HR mandates and roles that are emerging in response to these challenges¹.
• Globalisation and Its Impact on Human Resource Management: This paper examines the impact of globalization on HRM, and the various factors driving globalization in the workforce. It also discusses the benefits of HRIS to the HR department².
• Human resource management transfer challenges within multinational firms: This paper explores the issues and challenges that arise with HRM transfers within multinational firms, and how the dilemma theory can explain the transfer process and outcomes³.
• International Human Resource Management Policies and Practices for Multinational Enterprises: This book provides a comprehensive overview of the theory and practice of IHRM, and covers topics such as global staffing, global training and development, global compensation, global employee relations, and global talent management⁴.
• International Human Resource Management | Policies and Practices for Multinational Enterprises: This book focuses on the strategic role of IHRM in MNEs, and covers topics such as strategic IHRM, international assignments, global performance management, global diversity management, and global ethics and corporate social responsibility⁵.

 

 

Assimilation policies are the strategies and practices that aim to integrate new employees into the organizational culture and values, and foster a sense of belonging and commitment. Some examples of assimilation policies in international human resource management (IHRM) are:

• Embracing the language of the prevailing culture as a primary mode of communication.
• Alteration of one's name to a more "Western" equivalent.
• Discarding traditional fashion choices and clothing in preference for the fashion of the dominant culture.
• Adoption of the dominant culture's religious customs and practices.
• Providing cross-cultural training and orientation for expatriates and host-country nationals.
• Monitoring and reviewing the performance and adaptation of expatriates.
• Encouraging social interaction and networking among employees from different cultures.
• Offering incentives and rewards for employees who demonstrate cultural competence and alignment.

These are some of the examples of assimilation policies that global firms may use to manage their diverse and complex workforce. However, assimilation policies may also have some drawbacks and challenges, such as resistance, conflict, loss of identity, and reduced creativity among employees. Therefore, global firms need to balance the need for integration and coordination with the need for diversity and innovation.

Measuring the effectiveness of assimilation policies in international human resource management (IHRM) is a complex and challenging task, as there is no single or universal criterion or indicator that can capture the multiple and diverse outcomes and impacts of assimilation. However, some possible ways to measure the effectiveness of assimilation policies are:

• Using quantitative and qualitative methods to collect and analyze data on the performance, satisfaction, retention, and turnover of employees who are subject to assimilation policies, and compare them with those who are not.
• Conducting surveys and interviews with employees, managers, and stakeholders to assess their perceptions and attitudes towards the assimilation policies, and their level of commitment and engagement with the organization.
• Evaluating the alignment and consistency of the assimilation policies with the organization's strategy, culture, and values, and the extent to which they support the organization's goals and objectives.
• Examining the costs and benefits of the assimilation policies, and their return on investment (ROI) for the organization.
• Benchmarking the assimilation policies and practices with those of other organizations in the same or similar industry or context, and identifying the best practices and areas for improvement.

These are some of the possible ways to measure the effectiveness of assimilation policies in IHRM. However, it is important to note that the measurement of effectiveness may vary depending on the specific context, objectives, and criteria of each organization and its assimilation policies. Therefore, it is advisable to use a combination of methods and indicators, and to tailor them to the specific needs and expectations of the organization and its employees.

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