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.

B. How should the HR manager respond to the direction about implementing 360-degree feedback?

1. Say that it’s a good idea that is worth trying and learning from.

2. Implement the system but review feedback before forwarding it to the home office.

3. Call the owner to discuss why cultural differences may make implementing this approach difficult.

4. Send a “Reply all” e-mail, explaining the academic grounds for the approach used in South Africa.