MG478 Half Unit
The Management of People in Global Companies
This information is for the 2025/26 session.
Course Convenor
Prof Ryan Lamare
Availability
This course is compulsory on the MSc in Human Resources and Organisations (Human Resource Management/CIPD) and MSc in Human Resources and Organisations (International Employment Relations/CIPD). This course is available on the Global MSc in Management, Global MSc in Management (MBA Exchange), MBA Exchange, MSc in Human Resources and Organisations (Organisational Behaviour) and MSc in Management (1 Year Programme). This course is available with permission as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit. This course uses controlled access as part of the course selection process.
How to apply:
Places on oversubscribed courses will be allocated via a random ballot process with priority given to students with the course in their Programme Regulations, followed by other Department of Management students, then students from elsewhere in the school. Providing you apply before the Department deadline of 10am on Monday 29 September 2025, the time you applied will not be taken into account. Please be aware that places on high demand courses cannot be guaranteed. By submitting an application, students are confirming that they meet any pre-requisites specified. Providing an additional written statement will not aid a student’s chances of being accepted onto a course, and statements are not read.
For further information and updates on course availability during Week 1, please see the Department of Management Electives Moodle page.
Deadline for application:
Please apply by 10am on Monday 29 September 2025 with your first course choices. No allocations are made before this date and time.
For queries contact:
Please view the Department of Management Electives page for contact emails.
This course may be capped/subject to controlled access. For further information about the course's availability, please see the MG Elective Course Selection Moodle page (https://moodle.lse.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=3840).
Course content
This course examines how global factors influence the management of human resources in global enterprises. It explores how grand challenges like strategy, culture, context, and technology influence the management of people in global companies. It considers the intersection between these challenges and specific global HR practices, as well as their complexities. In addition to a main text, this course draws heavily on case studies, simulations, applied readings, and podcasts to analyse and critically evaluate current issues in global HRM and best practices.
The course discusses topics such as: competitive and cooperative HR strategies, cultural differences and work conflicts emerging out of these differences, how remote work and AI affect global people management, global diversity and inclusion, HR in global organisational change and mergers & acquisitions, HR & global corporate social responsibility, and global reward, talent management, and well-being practices.
Teaching
15 hours of seminars and 15 hours of lectures in the Winter Term.
This course has a reading week in Week 6 of Winter Term.
Practitioners from leading industries may be invited to guest lectures in this course.
In its Ethics Code, LSE upholds a commitment to intellectual freedom. This means we will protect the freedom of expression of our students and staff and the right to engage in healthy debate in the classroom.
Formative assessment
Students will have the opportunity to write a formative case-based assignment. The feedback will prepare students for the summative case-based essay.
Indicative reading
- Lazarova, M., Thomas, D. C., & Farndale, E. (2021). Essentials of International Human Resource Management: Managing People Globally. Edward Elgar Publishing.
- Wood, G., Cooke, F. L., Brou, D., Wang, J., & Ghauri, P. (2024). Rethinking contexts and institutions for research on human resource management in multinational enterprises in an age of polycrisis: reflections and suggestions. The International Journal of Human Resource Management, 35(19), 3173–3206. https://doi.org/10.1080/09585192.2024.2401021
- Chung, C., & Sparrow, P. (2024). Exploring the configuration of international HRM strategies for global integration and local responsiveness in MNEs. The International Journal of Human Resource Management, 35(11), 1943–1969. https://doi.org/10.1080/09585192.2024.2320768.
- Wilkinson, A., & Wood, G. (2017). Global trends and crises, comparative capitalism and HRM. The International Journal of Human Resource Management, 28(18), 2503-2518.
Assessment
Exam (90%), duration: 120 Minutes in the Spring exam period
Course participation (10%)
Key facts
Department: Management
Course Study Period: Winter Term
Unit value: Half unit
FHEQ Level: Level 7
CEFR Level: Null
Total students 2024/25: 113
Average class size 2024/25: 23
Controlled access 2024/25: YesCourse selection videos
Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.
Personal development skills
- Self-management
- Team working
- Problem solving
- Communication