Main Content

Syllabus

The information contained on this page is designed to give students a representative example of material covered in the course. Any information related to course assignments, dates, or course materials is illustrative only. For a definitive list of materials, please check the online catalog 3-4 weeks before the course start date.

HRER 800: International and Comparative Employment Relations (3 credits) This course examines employment relations systems in the world today and the influence of globalization on employment relations practice.



Overview

This course builds on the strategic foundations of taking businesses abroad. It investigates how multinational organizations are managing their people in this complexity, making strategic choices in international HR/ER that align with the business's intent. Multiple perspectives are considered to find an appropriate focus on local customization or global standardization or a suitable balance between both. Answers to the question of which is the best way of achieving this balance for superior firm performance lie in (a) the organizational perspective on internationalization strategy, (b) national cultural dimensions impacting individuals' decision making and behaviors, and (c) differences in institutional drivers of employment regulations and market context.

Ultimately, you’ll have the chance to explore the impact of internationalization on HR/ER professionals and the HR/ER function itself. Throughout the course you’ll learn to apply the relevant concepts and theories. In the final simulation paper you will bring it all together by designing an IHRM function for an organization of your choice and recommending specific HR/ER strategies and practices, e.g., for staffing, global careers development, knowledge management, assignment administration, and employee relations.

As participants in this seminar, some of you will have had more workplace and/or international experience than others. This experience can bring many rich insights into understanding the practical implications of International HR/ER. The course will allow you to share your experiences and learn from each other. Where possible, for group work you will be asked to work with others with different areas of expertise to maximize your learning experience.

 

Course Objectives

After successfully completing this course, you will be able to:

  • Recognize multiple perspectives in finding an appropriate balance between local customization or global standardization of HR/ER strategy and practice:
    • the organizational perspective on internationalization strategy;
    • national cultural dimensions impacting individuals’ decision making and behaviors;
    • differences in institutional drivers of employment regulations and market context.
  • Describe and apply concepts of comparative HR/ER, comparing the impact of national context on designing HR/ER policies and practices in different countries.
  • Recognize the evolving diversity in Global Careers, and corresponding developments in Talent Management and Employee Relations.
  • Differentiate between design options and describe a simulation that implements a functional structure and internationalization of the role of HR/ER professionals in a chosen multinational organization.
  • Recommend specific IHR/ER strategies and practices, and evaluate a peer's proposal; e.g., for staffing and retention, global careers development, knowledge management, and employee communication.

Required Course Materials

Most World Campus courses require that students purchase materials (e.g., textbooks, specific software, etc.). To learn about how to order materials, please see the Course Materials page. You should check LionPATH approximately 3–4 weeks before the course begins for a list of required materials.

Additional Readings: Will be available through the PSU Library E-Reserves.


Library Resources

Many of the University Libraries resources can be utilized from a distance. Through the Libraries website, you can

  • access magazine, journal, and newspaper articles online using library databases;
  • borrow materials and have them delivered to your doorstep—or even your desktop;
  • get research help via email, chat, or phone using the Ask a Librarian service; and
  • much more. 

You must have an active Penn State Access Account to take full advantage of the Libraries' resources and service.  The Off-Campus Users page has additional information about these free services.


Assignments

The Knowledge Cafe

The Knowledge Cafe discussion forums enable you to interact with other students and your instructor directly. They are the virtual equivalent of meeting others at a coffee table during a conference break. Visualize how some people take the initiative to approach anyone and open a conversation. Others get attracted to join in after overhearing something interesting at a neighboring table. The topics of discussion can range from sharing general experiences (e.g., logistical challenges) to more on-point debates about theoretical concepts corresponding to the appropriate lesson content.

Making the Best use of the Knowledge Cafe

Check in frequently, and engage in conversation with your classmates. When posting a query consider the following:

  1. Who would you like to talk to? Address your fellow students or instructor directly, as appropriate.
  2. Consider the issue carefully as it is explained in the text and/or readings.
  3. Check to see if the issue has been addressed in another post.
Individual Assignments
  • You will complete several individual essay type assignments, substantiated by your knowledge of the readings, Knowledge Cafe discussion forum participation, and additional research as indicated within the assignment instructions.
Group Work

The course includes group work, as well as whole-class discussion and team discussion forums. For the group work, the expectation is that within your assigned group, you will take responsibility for specific aspects of the team assignment, which you then need to bring together sequentially with your other group members.

HR Internationalization Paper Assignment

This assignment is your opportunity to apply your learning from the course to a scenario in which international expansion is the focus. When you submit your paper, you will receive a grade and feedback from the instructor. You will also have the opportunity to review a classmate's paper and share your recommendations and conclusions with the instructor.

You will be required to submit your paper to TURNITIN before turning it into the instructor. TURNITIN is a program that analyzes content of papers for originality and property citing of sources. It is used in this course primarily to help you identify any problems of excessive or uncited material from other sources. Additional information on using TURNITIN is provided within the assignment and by your instructor.

Survey

You will be expected to complete a Mid-Course Survey. Please take the time to provide as much information as possible, as your input is used to enhance the course for future offerings. Responses to the survey do not affect your grade; submission is anonymous.

Students please note: The Department of Labor Studies and Employment Relations does not view Wikipedia as a valid source for information cited in academic work. It can be a useful tool for quickly finding general information on subjects or as a starting point for research. However, students should not cite Wikipedia as a source in papers, reports, assignments, etc.

*Note: if any assignments are submitted after the scheduled deadline, these will be marked down by half a letter grade for each day that they are late, unless advance arrangements have been secured with the instructor.

As a Penn State student, you have access to Lynda.com, your one-stop shop for video tutorials on Illustrator, Dreamweaver, Photoshop, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, and hundreds more topics--all free to active Penn State faculty, staff, and currently enrolled students. Take tutorials to help with coursework, learn techniques for your own projects, and build tech skills to boost your résumé. Tutorials are not required or graded.)


Technical Specifications

Technical Requirements
Operating System Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8*; Mac OS X 10.5 or higher
*Windows 8 support excludes the tablet only RT version
Processor 2 GHz or higher
Memory 1 GB of RAM
Hard Drive Space 20 GB free disk space
Browser We recommend the latest ANGEL-supported version of Firefox or Internet Explorer. To determine if your browser fits this criterion, and for advice on downloading a supported version, please refer to the following ITS knowledge base article: Supported Browsers and Recommended Computers.
Note: Cookies, Java, and JavaScript must be enabled. Pop-up blockers should be configured to permit new windows
from Penn State websites.

Due to nonstandard handling of CSS, JavaScript and caching,
older versions of Internet Explorer (such as IE 6 or earlier) do not work with our courses.
Plug-ins Adobe Reader [Download from Adobe]
Flash Player (v7.0 or later) [Download from Adobe]
Additional Software Microsoft Office (2007 or later)
Internet Connection Broadband (cable or DSL) connection required
Printer Access to graphics-capable printer
DVD-ROM Required
Sound Card, Microphone, and Speakers Required
Monitor Capable of at least 1024 x 768 resolution

If you need technical assistance at any point during the course, please contact the Service Desk.

For registration, advising, disability services, help with materials, exams, general problem solving, visit World Campus Student Services!



Course Schedule

Assignments are due by 11:55 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the date listed on the Course Schedule below, unless otherwise noted.

Make sure to log in EARLY in the week and SEVERAL TIMES THROUGHOUT THE WEEK for the discussion forum assignments listed below.

Course Schedule
Lesson Reading Assignments Activities

Lesson 01 Part 1: Getting Started/Orientation Activities
Lesson 01 Part 2: Class Introductions and Video Reactions

  • Lesson 01 Part 1 Commentary
  • Lesson 01 Part 2 Commentary
  • Complete and submit Lesson 01 Part 1 Orientation Activities
  • Complete and submit Lesson 01 Part 2 Knowledge Cafe Discussion Forum on Bio Submission and Video Reactions and Comments

Lesson 02: Internationalization Strategy

  • Lesson 02 Commentary
  • Text
  • E-Reserves
  • Participate in the Lesson 02 Knowledge Cafe Prep/Discussion on the Lesson 02 Internationalization Assignment
  • Complete and submit the Lesson 02 Internationalization Assignment (Individual)

Lesson 03: Comparative HRM Theory and Practice

  • Lesson 03 Commentary
  • Text
  • E-Reserves
  • Complete and submit Lesson 03 Cap Gemini Essay

Lesson 04: Impact of National Cultures

  • Lesson 04 Commentary
  • Text
  • E-Reserves
  • Complete and submit Lesson 04 Orr Article and Adler Text Review and Reflection Essay

Lesson 05: Impact of National Cultures (cont)

  • Lesson 05 Commentary
  • Text review of Lesson 04 Readings
  • E-Reserves Review of Lesson 04 Readings

 

  • Participate in the Lesson 05 Knowledge Cafe Cross Cultural Team Discussion and submit the Lesson 05 Cross Cultural Group Assignment
Lesson 06: Employee Relations, International Context of Labor Standards, and Employment Law
  • Lesson 06 Commentary
  • Text
  • E-Reserves

 

  • Complete and submit Lesson 06 British and U.S. Owners Expansion to Nigeria Essay
  • Complete and submit the HRER Mid-Course Survey

Lesson 07: International Recruitment, Selection, and Global Careers

  • Lesson 07 Commentary
  • Text
  • E-Reserves
  • Complete and submit the Lesson 07 Expatriate Expectations Essay
Lesson 08: International Recruitment, Selection, and Global Careers (cont)
  • Lesson 08 Commentary
  • Text review of Lesson 07 Readings
  • E-Reserves Review of Lesson 07 Readings
  • Participate in the Lesson 08 Knowledge Cafe Stanford Video Class Discussion
  • Participate in the Lesson 08 Knowledge Cafe HBR Blog Post Class Discussion

Lesson 9: Global Talent Management - Planning and Support Processes

  • Lesson 09 Commentary
  • Text
  • E-Reserves
  • Complete and submit the Lesson 09 Ang-Lenovo Video Case Study Assignment

Lesson 10: Global Talent Management - Planning and Support Processes Continued

  • Lesson 10 Commentary
  • Review of Lesson 09 Readings
  • Review of Lesson 09 E-Reserves
  • Complete and submit the Lesson 10 Expatriation Assessment Assignment
Lesson 11: The Internationalization of HR/ER - Configuration and Roles
  • Lesson 11 Commentary
  • Text
  • E-Reserves
  • Participate in the Knowledge Cafe IR Analysis Discussion
Lesson 12: The Internationalization of HR/ER - Configuration and Roles Continued
  • Lesson 12 Commentary
  • Review of Lesson 11 Readings
  • Review of Lesson 11 E-Reserves
  • Complete and submit the Lesson 12 HR Internationalization Paper Proposal
Lesson 13: Theoretical Perspectives on IHRM
  • Lesson 13 Commentary
  • Review all course readings
  • Continue to work on the Lesson 14 HR Internationalization Paper
Lesson 14: Theoretical Perspectives on IHRM Continued
  • Review all course readings
  • Complete and submit Lesson 14 HR Internationalization Paper
Lesson 15 Course and Peer Review of Practice Simulation Paper

  • Lesson 14 Commentary
  • Complete and submit the Peer Review of HR Internationalization Paper

 

Note: If you are planning to graduate this semester, please communicate your intent to graduate to your instructor. This will alert your instructor to the need to submit your final grade in time to meet the published graduation deadlines. For more information about graduation policies and deadlines, please go to the Graduation Information on the My Penn State Online Student Portal.

Formal instruction will end on the last day of class. Provided that you have an active Penn State Access Account user ID and password, you will continue to be able to access the course materials for one year, starting from the end date of the academic semester in which the course was offered (with the exception of library reserves and other external resources that may have a shorter archival period). After one year, you might be able to access the course based on the policies of the program or department offering the course material, up to a maximum of three years from the end date of the academic semester in which the course was offered. For more information, please review the University Course Archival Policy.


Grading

The World Campus follows the same grading system as the Penn State resident program. The grades of A, B, C, D, and F indicate the following qualities of academic performance:

A = (Excellent) Indicates exceptional achievement
B = (Good) Indicates extensive achievement
C = (Satisfactory) Indicates acceptable achievement
D = (Poor) Indicates only minimal achievement
F = (Failure) Indicates inadequate achievement necessitating a repetition of the course in order to secure credit

Assignments
Lesson Discussion Forum Assignment Drop Box Assignment Other Individual, Group, or Class Discussion Points

01 Part 1

 

 

Orientation to ANGEL tools, Student Homepage, Academic Integrity

Individual

Ungraded

01 Part 2

Lesson 01 Part 2 Knowledge Cafe Discussion Forum on Bio Submission and Video Reactions and Comments

 

 

 

Individual

Ungraded

02

L02 Knowledge Cafe Prep/Discussion on the L02 Internationalization Assignment

 

 

Class

20

02

 

L02 Internationalization Assignment

 

 

Individual

80

03

 

L03 Cap Gemini Essay

 

Individual

50

04

 

L04 Orr Article and Adler Text Review and Reflection Essay

 

Individual

50

05

L05 Knowledge Cafe Cross Cultural Team Discussion and Group Assignment

 

 

Team

135

06   L06 British and US Owners Expansion Article Essay   Individual 50

06

 

 

HRER 800 Mid-Course Survey

Individual

ungraded

07

 

L07 Expatriate Expectations Essay

 

Individual

50

08

L08 Knowledge Cafe Stanford Video Class Discussion

 

 

Class

20

08

L08 HBR Blog Post Class Discussion

 

 

Class

25

09

 

L09 Ang-Lenovo Video Case Study Assignment

 

Individual

50

10

 

L10 Expatriation Assessment Assignment

 

Individual

50

11

L11 Knowledge Cafe IR Analysis Team Discussion

 

 

Team

70

12

 

L12 HR Internationalization Paper Proposal

 

Individual

90

13

 

 

Work on HR Internationalization Paper

Individual

ungraded

14

 

L14 HR Internationalization Paper

 

Individual

200

15

Peer Review of HR Internationalization Paper

 

 

Private Discussion Forum with Instructor

60

Course Total         1000

 

Grading Criteria
Grading Criteria  
Knowledge Cafe Participation (5 worth 20 points each)

100

Individual Type A Assignment (1000 words) 81
Individual Type B Assignments (500-750 words) (4 worth 50 points each) 200
Individual Type C Assignments (400 - 500 words) (3 worth 40 points each) 120
Individual Type D Assignments (200 - 300 words) (2 worth 25 points each) 50
Group Work (1 worth 75 points; 1 worth 50 points; 1 worth 100 points) 225
Practice Simulation Paper (2000 - 3000 words) 150
Peer Review of Practice Simulation Paper 50
Course Total TBD

Grading Scale

Grading Scale
Grade Minimum %
A 93
A- 90
B+ 88
B 82
B- 80
C+ 78
C 70
D 60
F 59

Please refer to the University Grading Policy for Undergraduate and Graduate Courses for additional information about University grading policies.

If, for reasons beyond the student's control, a student is prevented from completing a course within the prescribed time, the grade in that course may be deferred with the concurrence of the instructor. The symbol DF appears on the student's transcript until the course has been completed. Non-emergency permission for filing a deferred grade must be requested by the student before the beginning of the final examination period. In an emergency situation, an instructor can approve a deferred grade after the final exam period has started. Under emergency conditions during which the instructor is unavailable, authorization is required from one of the following: the dean of the college in which the candidate is enrolled; the executive director of the Division of Undergraduate Studies if the student is enrolled in that division or is a provisional student; or the campus chancellor of the student's associated Penn State campus.

For additional information please refer to the Deferring a Grade page.

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Academic Integrity

According to Penn State policy G-9: Academic Integrity , an academic integrity violation is “an intentional, unintentional, or attempted violation of course or assessment policies to gain an academic advantage or to advantage or disadvantage another student academically.” Unless your instructor tells you otherwise, you must complete all course work entirely on your own, using only sources that have been permitted by your instructor, and you may not assist other students with papers, quizzes, exams, or other assessments. If your instructor allows you to use ideas, images, or word phrases created by another person (e.g., from Course Hero or Chegg) or by generative technology, such as ChatGPT, you must identify their source. You may not submit false or fabricated information, use the same academic work for credit in multiple courses, or share instructional content. Students with questions about academic integrity should ask their instructor before submitting work.

Students facing allegations of academic misconduct may not drop/withdraw from the affected course unless they are cleared of wrongdoing (see G-9: Academic Integrity ). Attempted drops will be prevented or reversed, and students will be expected to complete course work and meet course deadlines. Students who are found responsible for academic integrity violations face academic outcomes, which can be severe, and put themselves at jeopardy for other outcomes which may include ineligibility for Dean’s List, pass/fail elections, and grade forgiveness. Students may also face consequences from their home/major program and/or The Schreyer Honors College.

How Academic Integrity Violations Are Handled
World Campus students are expected to act with civility and personal integrity; respect other students' dignity, rights, and property; and help create and maintain an environment in which all can succeed through the fruits of their own efforts. An environment of academic integrity is requisite to respect for oneself and others, as well as a civil community.

In cases where academic integrity is questioned, the Policy on Academic Integrity indicates that procedure requires an instructor to inform the student of the allegation. Procedures allow a student to accept or contest a charge. If a student chooses to contest a charge, the case will then be managed by the respective college or campus Academic Integrity Committee. If that committee recommends an administrative sanction (Formal Warning, Conduct Probation, Suspension, Expulsion), the claim will be referred to the Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response.

All Penn State colleges abide by this Penn State policy, but review procedures may vary by college when academic dishonesty is suspected. Information about Penn State's academic integrity policy and college review procedures is included in the information that students receive upon enrolling in a course. To obtain that information in advance of enrolling in a course, please contact us by going to the Contacts & Help page .

 

University Policies

Please note that course access is limited to those individuals who have direct responsibility for the quality of your educational experience. The course instructor and any teaching assistant(s), of course, have access to the course throughout the semester. Each course offered via the World Campus has several instructional design staff members assigned to assist in managing course content and delivery. These instructional design staff members have access to the course throughout the semester for this purpose. Also, World Campus technical staff may be given access in order to resolve technical support issues. In addition, mentor, department head, or program chair may be provided with course access in order to ensure optimal faculty availability and access. Each of these individuals will keep confidential all student course and academic information.

Penn State welcomes students with disabilities into the University's educational programs. Every Penn State campus has resources for students with disabilities. The Student Disability Resources (SDR) website provides contacts for disability services at every Penn State campus. For further information, please visit the SDR website.

In order to apply for reasonable accommodations, you must contact the appropriate disability resources office at the campus where you are officially enrolled, participate in an intake interview, and provide documentation based on the documentation guidelines. If the documentation supports your request for reasonable accommodations, your campus's disability resources office will provide you with an accommodation letter. Please share this letter with your instructors and discuss the accommodations with them as early in your courses as possible. You must follow this process for every semester that you request accommodations.

For information about additional policies regarding Penn State Access Accounts; credit by examination; course tuition, fees, and refund schedules; and drops and withdrawals, please see the World Campus Student Center website.

If, for reasons beyond the student's control, a student is prevented from completing a course within the prescribed time, the grade in that course may be deferred with the concurrence of the instructor. The symbol DF appears on the student's transcript until the course has been completed. Non-emergency permission for filing a deferred grade must be requested by the student before the beginning of the final examination period. In an emergency situation, an instructor can approve a deferred grade after the final exam period has started. Under emergency conditions during which the instructor is unavailable, authorization is required from one of the following: the dean of the college in which the candidate is enrolled; the executive director of the Division of Undergraduate Studies if the student is enrolled in that division or is a provisional student; or the campus chancellor of the student's associated Penn State campus.

For additional information please refer to the Deferring a Grade page.

Photo Credits

Photos used in the lesson contents of this course: ©2009 Jupiterimages Corporation http://www.photos.com and Microsoft clipart ©2009 Microsoft Corporation http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/clipart/, unless otherwise noted.

 

Disclaimer

Please note that the specifics of this Course Syllabus are subject to change, and you will be responsible for abiding by any such changes. Your instructor will notify you of any changes.

 


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