About this published example
Question 1 (AC 1.1)
Drawing on Geert Hofstede's cultural mapping research, examine the major ways in which UK and
Japanese workplace cultures differ from each other and how this may pose significant challenges
for your organisation in the future following the takeover.
Question 2 (AC 1.2)
Assess the benefits to your company of employing people in an international context following the
takeover.
Question 3 (AC 1.3)
Explain why there is typically some tension in multi-national companies between a wish to adhere
to global corporate standards and norms when managing people, and an equally strong need to
respect established local standards and norms. How can this tension best be resolved in your
company as it prepares to implement the proposed takeover?
Question 4 (AC 2.1)
Assess the major short term people management factors that your company will need to consider
during the next few months as the implications of the takeover become clear to the workforce.
Question 5 (AC 2.2)
Explain two major ways in which employment and labour market traditions vary between the UK
and Japan. Illustrate each with a practical example.
Question 6 (AC 2.3)
Evaluate two major ways in which common people management practices differ between the UK
and Japan.
Question 7 (AC 3.1)
Explain the main role and function of a well-run and effective international people management
function.
Question 8 (AC 3.2)
Consider the features of people management in a typical Japanese company employing
professional staff. Which would you like to see adopted by your workplace? Which would you
prefer to see not adopted?
Question 9 (AC 4.1)
Evaluate the potential advantages of expatriating Japanese staff to work in the UK and vice versa.
Question 10 (AC 4.2)
Explain which personal attributes and competencies your companies should consider when
selecting staff to work at the new parent company's headquarters in Japan.
Question 11 (AC 4.3)
Explain which policies and practices your company should adopt for managing the repatriation of
expatriate staff after their assignments in the UK and in Japan.