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.

For full details on how to how apply for controlled access courses, the deadline for applications and who to contact with queries, please see the following webpages:

https://moodle.lse.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=3840
https://info.lse.ac.uk/current-students/services/course-choice/controlled-access-courses

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: No
Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

Course 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