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Global Perspectives on Human Resource Management & Employment Relations - MAN00075M

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  • Department: The York Management School
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24

Module summary

The module aims to enhance students’ critical engagement with and understanding of the nature and implications of international human resource management (HRM) and Employment Relations (ER).

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2023-24

Module aims

To enhance students’ critical engagement with and understanding of the nature and implications of international human resource management (HRM) and Employment Relations (ER).

To critically reflect on the development of MNCs and their employment practices, evaluating and critiquing how they respond to diverse institutional pressures.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of this module students will be able to:

  • Explain and critically reflect on how international organisations manage their operations in different parts of the world

  • Critically evaluate the antecedents and consequences of HR and ER practice within international organisations

  • Explain the way in which institutions shape ER and subsequent HR responses

  • Critique the role of MNCs and how they respond to international labour standards, corporate social responsibility and global union strategies.

Module content

  • Approaches to International/Comparative Human Resource Management

  • Cultures and Cultural Synergy

  • The transfer of HR practices across borders

  • Global Talent Management

  • Managing Knowledge in MNCs

  • Globalising HRM

  • Trade unions, Employers and Employers’ associations and Collective Bargaining in International Perspective

  • Employee participation and Involvement in International Perspective (e.g. Codetermination and the impact of law on voice mechanisms

  • The role of the State, Management, Employers and their Associations

  • EU regulation and social policy (including ICE and EWC directives)

  • Regulating the Multinational Corporation (International Labour Standards, CSR and Global Union Strategies)

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled) 100

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled) 100

Module feedback

Feedback will be given in accordance with the University Policy on feedback in the Guide to Assessment as well as in line with the School policy.

Indicative reading

Key: Edwards, T., & Rees, C. (2017). International Human Resource Management: Globalization, National Systems and Multinational Companies. (Third ed.). Harlow: Pearson Education

Frege, C.M. and Kelly J., (2013) Comparative Employment Relations in the Global Economy, Palgrave

Supplementary Text:

Lucio, Martinez. Miguel. (Ed.) (2014). International Human Resource Management: An Employment Relations Perspective. London: Sage

Brewster, C.,Houldsworth, E.,Sparrow, P. and Vernon, G.,(2016). International Human Resource Management. (Fourth Edition). London: CIPD


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.