Outline

Overview

This unit considers the opportunities and challenges associated with managing employees in international and cross-cultural contexts, with specific emphasis on international recruitment, selection, preparation, placement, management development, performance management, reward and remuneration in the international, multi-national and trans-national corporation. Within the context of global labour markets, the unit considers the implications of internationalisation and globalisation for human resource management (HRM), the difference between domestic and international HRM, and the challenges of cross-cultural management. This unit provides students with a theoretical understanding of IHRM and cross-cultural management, as well as a practical understanding of the issues and challenges associated with managing employees in international, global and cross-cultural contexts.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Work and Organisational Studies
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	Completion of at least 48 credit points
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	WORK2217
Assumed knowledge ?	WORK1003
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Alex Veen, alex.veen@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam ?	Final exam Students complete a final exam based on the content of the unit	40%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Written test ?	Mid-semester MCQ exam Mid-semester MCQ exam	20%	Week 07 Due date: 20 Sep 2025 at 15:40	1 hour	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Group Presentation/Facilitation Group presentation and facilitation	30%	Weekly	45 mins (presentation/facilitation)	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Participation Weekly tutorial participation	10%	Weekly	n/a	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

The course contains 4 key assessments:

A mid-semester MCQ quiz
A group assignment (presentation and facilitation)
Tutorial participation
Final exam

Detailed information about each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Distinction	75 - 84	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Credit	65 - 74	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Pass	50 - 64	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	L1. Introduction to International Human Resource Management: A Strategic Outlook	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	T1. Introduction	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 02	L2. Understanding the International HRM Context 1: An Institutional Perspective	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	T2. Constructing IHRM	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 03	L3. Understanding the International HRM Context 2: A Cross-cultural Perspective	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	T3. International Team Setups	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 04	L4. The Global Assignment Lifecycle 1: International Recruitment and Selection	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	T4. Understanding the IHRM context	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 05	L5. The Global Assignment Lifecycle 2: International Training and Development	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	T5. The Global Assignment Lifecycle 1: International Recruitment and Selection	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 06	L6. Decent work in MNE Supply Chains: An issue of Ethical HRM, Corporate Social Responsibility or Industrial Relations?	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	T6. The Global Assignment Lifecycle 2: International Training and Development	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 07	L7. The Global Assignment Lifecycle 3: International Remuneration & Reward	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	T7. Decent work in MNE Supply Chains: An issue of Ethical HRM, Corporate Social Responsibility or Industrial Relations?	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 08	L8. IHRM in Cross-Border Mergers and Acquisitions	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	T8. The Global Assignment Lifecycle 3: International Remuneration & Reward	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 09	Reading Week	Independent study (2 hr)
Week 09	Reading week	Independent study (1 hr)
Week 10	L9. The IHRM practices and challenges of 'emerging' & 'born global' MNEs	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	T9. IHRM in Cross-Border Mergers and Acquisitions	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 11	L10. The Global Assignment Lifecycle 4: Managing International Employee Knowledge and Performance	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	T10. The IHRM practices and challenges of 'emerging' & 'born global' MNEs	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 12	L11. Managing Contemporary Complexities International Human Resource Management (Guest Lecture)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	T11. The Global Assignment Lifecycle 4: Managing International Employee Knowledge and Performance	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 13	L12. The Global Assignment Lifecycle 5: Repatriation and Expatriate Retention + Course Review	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 13	T12. The Global Assignment Lifecycle 5: Repatriation and Expatriate Retention + Course Review	Tutorial (1 hr)

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

For readings for this unit, refer to reading list.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. explain the economic, social, cultural and political context of international human resource management
LO2. draw upon existing and new knowledge to identify and evaluate relevant issues in managing employees in an international environment
LO3. apply relevant processes in managing employees in an international environment
LO4. demonstrate evidence through readiness assurance tests and team application exercises of respectful, ethical and professional behaviour in diverse settings.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Feedback from previous in-semester Unit evaluations have been incorporated into the design of this UOS.

Additional information

Business School Policies

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

WORK3201: International Human Resource Management

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links