EXPATRIATES - LOCALS Finding the right mix in ambition, skills and localization By: Ali Saleem – MSc in HRM for Hospitality Industry Mauroof Mohamed – BA in HRM
Jan 11, 2016
EXPATRIATES - LOCALSFinding the right mix in ambition, skills and localization
By:Ali Saleem – MSc in HRM for Hospitality IndustryMauroof Mohamed – BA in HRM
Generally, companies may have three methods of staffing:• Ethnocentric Approach - filling positions with
parent company nationals• Polycentric Approach – host country nationals
employed• Geocentric Approach – any national with the
correct qualifications and experience is hired to fill the position.
The right mix ?
So, what do we want:
▫ More locals than expatriates?▫ Equal amount of locals and expatriates?▫ More local managers?▫ More locals for front line?▫ More locals at HR jobs or Finance?
We should be careful?• Foreign investments in the Maldives• GATS – General Agreement on Trade in
Service• Need to run a successful business• Business is about efficiency and profitability
and social responsibilities
Why we worry so much about expatriates?
▫Expatriate spill-over▫Irritation▫Negative Socio-Cultural impact▫Negative economic impacts
HOWEVERE …….
•Our aim should be to learn from the expatriates and help them to adopt
•Even most experienced countries has problems with expatriates
Expats love Singapore, but don’t mix much
HSBC Bank International surveyed more than 3,100 expatriates in 26 countries.
Expats in Singapore did not prioritize socializing with local people and it came 24th out of 26th for expats choosing to join a community group and 18th in terms of the ease of making local friends," says the report.
Major issues
Possible remedies – Local labor force development
Possible remedies – Localization
Typical program for expatriates may include:
▫Cross cultural training, ▫Language training, ▫Documentary and practical information on
the new location, ▫Sensitivity training, ▫Arrival orientation, ▫Field trips where possible, ▫The appointment of a mentor. .
Government & Private Sector partnership Initiatives
Stop brain drain ▫Example - TOKTEN (Transfer of Knowledge
Through Expatriate Nationals) Program▫ ILO program▫ Objectives:
Reduce the impact of brain drain by utilizing the services of highly qualified national expatriates
Transfer the latest know-how and cutting edge technology through national professionals working in the developed world.
Promote institutional capacity-building through technical expertise and policy advice.
Government & Private Sector partnership Initiatives
Annual HR ConferenceAnnually all Hospitality HR managers come together, meet and discuss pressing issues and submit outcomes of the meeting to the government policy formulation considerations
Government & Private Sector partnership Initiatives
Internet based HR forumDevice and manage an online forum to continually seek inputs from involved in the industry in relation to HR issues
Government & Private Sector partnership Initiatives
National HR Managers’ Guild(Maldives Hospitality Human Resource
Managers’Club to manage industry initiatives collectively)
▫Produce various research reports on human resources such as: Recruitment, retention, turnover Reward management Trends in learning, training and development Performance management Satisfaction and motivation surveys etc.
A total solution