Course Syllabus
O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs
V450 – GLOBAL HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT
SYLLABUS
Term: Fall 2026 SECTION# 11168 Room: Cedar Hall LINDLEY HALL (LH) 130
Class Time: Tuesday/Thursday 11:10 am to 12:25 pm
Instructor: Daniel Grundmann; Senior Lecturer, SPHR, SHRM-SCP
Course Description
Human Resource practitioners in the United States often think of Global Human Resource Management (GHRM) in U.S.-centric terms. This course broadens our perspective by introducing GHRM-related concepts that vary globally and demonstrating how they are related to the application of HR functions. We examine the critical nature of contextual determinants like culture, the nature of institutions, and national historical experience and the impact they have on driving strategic HRM in an international environment. The course considers strategic challenges with the implementation of functional areas of HRM in an international and comparative context given those differences. The course material also contemplates consistencies and disparities associated with employment law and ethics related to the practice of GHRM.
The weekly focus of this course is detailed below, and with greater detail in Canvas modules. I have selected class materials that present a variety of topics and perspectives. In many cases connections between our course and current and historical events outside the classroom will come up in lectures, class discussions, and on assignments. Those connections typically will be obvious but may, in some instances, require careful thought to understand the links and the value thereof. The ability to understand and analyze the connections among ideas and events is a core skill in a professional career and will serve you well in your life beyond IU.
Learning Outcomes
Contextual Overview of Global HRM: Understand and articulate the impact of cultural characteristics, institutional dimensions, and organizational structure on the practice of global HRM.
Application of HR Functional Areas in a Global Context: Gain insight into the strategy and application of staffing, performance management, employee relations, total rewards, ethics and corporate social responsibility, training and development, and the complexities of management considering cultural dimensions in a global environment.
The Legal and Ethical Environment for GHRM: Articulate and apply key concepts and variations of employment law and ethics related to GHRM. Students will learn different approaches to employment law, articulate the impact on HRM’s functional areas, and use case analysis to understand and apply legal issues in GHRM. Students will analyze and synthesize varying approaches to ethical considerations, particularly as applied to host-country circumstances.
Regional Variations in GHRM: Understand, analyze, and apply broad regional variations in GHRM through a comparative approach to the complex HR problems organizations face because of employment law, cultural and societal differences, along with social and ethical concerns. Evaluate and critique varying approaches to the application of those issues within organizations.
Critical Thinking, Teamwork, and Analysis: Evaluate challenges associated with the global expansion of multinational enterprises (MNEs), analyze opportunities and outcomes, and work together with peers to determine preferred HRM strategies.
Course Reading
This course requires that students regularly complete reading assignments in a timely manner. In-class activities based on readings are a regular part of the course, and are critical to attaining points necessary for a respectable grade. Class content is driven by student involvement and requires preparation.
As the field of Global Human Resources is dynamic, additional articles and cases may be assigned to provide insight into recent developments in HR. Students are responsible for the content of all assigned reading, any materials distributed in class or on Canvas, and all information discussed in class.
The following text is required for the course:
Mila B. Lazarova, David C. Thomas, and Elaine Farndale. Essentials of International Human Resource Management: Managing People Globally. 2nd Ed., Edward Elgar, 2021. (see link below)
HB ISBN: 9781788976770 eISBN: 9781788976787 PB ISBN: 9781788976794
Additional reading is required and available on Canvas. Modifications likely will be made throughout the term with ample notice.
Guest Speakers
Guest speakers may visit the classroom. Students are accountable for the content of discussions during examinations.
Class Mode, Participation, and Attendance
Class meets in person two times per week. Regular attendance is expected, recorded, and critical to understanding the presented material over which students are tested. The format of the class focuses on student participation. Student engagement and participation directly influences your grade. We will discuss readings and cases in class.
More on Course Content
Course Readings, due dates, and assignment schedules are listed and linked, by weekly topic, in Canvas modules. The content and schedule are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances or in response to topical developments.
The course is divided into weekly modules. Each weekly module includes:
- TOPIC HEADER
- ASSIGNMENTS (to be submitted)
- Those you are required to submit via Canvas
- Includes a weekly reading synthesis assignment (generally about a paragraph in length)
- Requires that you reflect on the readings and synthesize content
- TO BE READ or OTHERWISE CONSULTED
- Chapters from required books
- PDF files posted under the header
- Other resources that cover the relevant topic
- IN-CLASS (with ADDITIONAL RESOURCES)
- Items we'll typically look at during class and serve as additional resources for you.
Case Analysis Team Projects
Case Analysis Projects will require you to apply your HR knowledge by examining cases as if you were a GHRM practitioner and preparing an analysis thereof. Case Assignments are due as listed in Canvas.
Grading Policy
|
ASSESSMENT |
TOTAL POINTS |
|
Examinations (3 @ 100 points each) |
300 |
|
Individual Case Analysis |
15 |
|
Group Case Analysis – Lesser |
15 |
|
Group Case Analysis – Greater |
35 |
|
Weekly Synthesis Assignments (WSAs – 15 @ 3 points each) |
45 |
|
Class participation, attendance, decorum, and participation (including peer reviews) |
15 |
|
Total |
425 |
Assessments and Grading
Assessments will cover material presented in class and through the reading assignments. Specific material included for each assessment is noted on Canvas. Generally, assessments cannot be made up. Under exceptional circumstances opportunities for rescheduling are considered. Depending upon circumstances, a more rigorous grading standard may be applied (e.g., a one-grade penalty may be assigned). THE FINAL ASSESSMENT IS ADMINISTERED ACCORDING TO UNIVERSITY SCHEDULING.
The final course grade is as follows.
GRADE PERCENT
A+ 98 - 100
A 93 - 97
A- 90 - 92
B+ 87 - 89
B 83 - 86
B- 80 - 82
C+ 77 - 79
C 73 -76
C- 70 - 72
D+ 67 - 69
D 63 - 66
D- 60 - 62
F 59 and below
Summary Class Schedule: Refer to Canvas for specific timing and detail.
Week 1: Globalization and HR Management
Week 2: The Cultural and Institutional Contexts of International HRM
Week 3: The Organizational Context of International HRM
Week 4: The Global HR Department
Week 5: The Transfer of HRM Across National Boundaries
Week 6: Global Staffing
Week 7: Global HR Development
Week 8: Global Employment Law
Week 9: Global Performance Management and Compensation
Week 10: Global Performance Management and Compensation (continued)
Week 11: International Mobility and Global Careers
Week 12: People, Ethics, Variation, and Cultural Conflict in Global HRM
Week 13: International Employee Relations
Week 14: Global Corporate Social Responsibility and ESG
Week 15: Wrapping Up – Key Considerations in Global HRM for the Future