Global Context

An HR manager works in South Africa for a U.S.–based company and reports to the owner. The manager has recently had two experiences with the owner that have left the manager puzzled about the next best step.

In the first instance, the owner ordered HR to terminate a local employee who had resisted the owner’s marketing ideas. “Just find a reason and fire him,” the owner says.

In the second instance, the owner directs HR managers in all overseas operations to roll out a 360-degree assessment program. The owner believes this assessment approach has been very effective in the U.S. and will improve management performance in the company’s remote operations.

The HR manager has delayed responding to the owner about these two issues for a couple of days but must act soon.

choose the correct option and provide the explanation for why that option is correct.

A. How should the HR manager advise the owner on the termination issue?

1. Present the issue as a matter of risk management.

2. Review the employee’s records to see if there are grounds for termination.

3. Tell the owner that this is not the way disagreements are handled in South Africa.

4. Ask the company’s lawyer to speak with the owner and change his mind.