International HR Perspectives (MHR104)

The field of Human Resource Management (HRM) in the service industries is experiencing an increasing pressure for change. Shifts in the economy, globalization, domestic diversity, technology, and the post-COVID pandemic have created new demands for organizations, and driven the field in some completely new directions. Leaders of service businesses will face such challenges and the numerous opportunities for HR and organizations as a whole. In this course we examine such challenges and opportunities that influence current and future HR in an international perspective.


Course description for study year 2023-2024

Facts

Course code

MHR104

Version

1

Credits (ECTS)

10

Semester tution start

Spring

Number of semesters

1

Exam semester

Spring

Language of instruction

English

Content

Human Resource Management (HRM) plays a key role in helping service organizations and their workforce to collaborate in healthy and effective ways to achieve their common goals. This course is built on the Nordic model of work organization characterized by trust and dialogue as the model has proved good results when it comes to engagement, health & safety as well as organizational results.  The course will address several HR elements of the employee- and organizational lifecycle.

The course is divided into two parts:

1. The HR system.

2. Leaders' HR practices.

In part one: The HR system, it will be focused on company systems like e.g, recruitment processes, employment terms and conditions, HR policies, communication systems etc.

  • The Nordic model, participation, dialogue, and trust.
  • HR in international perspectives.
  • HR analytics.
  • Recruitment, development, and retention.
  • Employee wellbeing:  Appraisal systems, reward system, cross-cultural HRM.
  • Ethical perspectives and justice, globalization and cultural and legislative differences.

In part two: Leaders' HR practices, the focus will turn to leadership. How can leaders /managers perform in order to establish perceived fairness, trust, and strong motivation, engagement, creativity and performance among subordinates.

  • Cross cultural HRM.
  • Employer-employee relations
  • Work environment and organizational climate.
  • Team development and leadership.
  • Communication and negotiation.
  • Creativity and innovation
  • Conflict management.
  • Diversity management

Learning outcome

A candidate who has completed the course should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge skills and general competence:

Knowledge:

After completing this course, the student has

  • advanced knowledge in human resource management within the service sectors.
  • in-depth knowledge in the Nordic Model and its implications for responsible leadership and service work environments.
  • in-depth knowledge on international HRM challenges and issues, concerning effects of different dimensions of justice, HSE, ethics, leader/management styles, climate/culture, and diversity management.
  • thorough professional knowledge that can be used for new perspectives on HR leadership behavior, recruitment policies and HR and HSE systems in a contemporary international context.

Skills:

After completing this course, the student can

  • independently analyze existing leadership and HRM theories and methods relevant for international HRM problems.
  • apply evidence-based knowledge on work environment and responsible leadership behavior in existing practice to assess and develop systems for recruitment, employee development, retention, appraisals, rewards and HSE.
  • analyze and make use of work environment- and work force data sources in an independent and critical way, participate in planning, implementation and controlling in HRM and HSE systems.
  • analyze different HRM and HSE systems in different cultures and make suggestions for improvements in organizational diversity practice, teamwork and job description systems.

General competence:

After completing this course, the student can

  • analyze and formulate problem statements relating to organizational issues and work life.
  • apply theory and be able to contribute in diversified teamwork that may lead to new thinking and innovation processes.
  • apply acquired knowledge and skills in new areas in order to carry out advanced assignments and projects.

Required prerequisite knowledge

None

Recommended prerequisites

Introductory  HR(M) course on BA-level.

Exam

Home exam and oral exam

Form of assessment Weight Duration Marks Aid
Home exam in group 2/5 Letter grades
Final oral individual exam 3/5 20 Minutes Letter grades

Home exam in group can alternatively be an individual exam when agreed with course responsible.

Coursework requirements

Mandatory activity
2 mandatory written work requirements.

Course teacher(s)

Course coordinator:

Gro Ellen Mathisen

Course teacher:

Tone Therese Linge

Method of work

Case based teaching, lectures, group work, oral presentations.

Course assessment

There must be an early dialogue between the course coordinator, the student representative and the students. The purpose is feedback from the students for changes and adjustments in the course for the current semester.

In addition, a digital course evaluation must be carried out at least every three years. Its purpose is to gather the students experiences with the course.

Literature

The syllabus can be found in Leganto