A notable highlight from the case study is how Alpha a multinational organisation adapts its approach to global HR by means of a “Polycentric Methodology”.
Alpha’s core sets of global policies and practices allows for customisation to achieve specific needs and cultural norms. As an example, they strives to staff locally and this is shown to its preference to recruit local managers for their expertise in local market and environment. Besides that, they practice the incorporation of the full life cycle leadership and full life cycle business through the empowerment of their employees as leaders. They are accountable in identifying local needs, policies, practices that are globally consistent yet flexible enough to tailor to local condition.
However there are potential drawback to this approach such as the inconsistent management practices within the corporation. An excerpt from the case study states while Alpha strives to maintain a cohesive organisational culture, some of the managers at its overseas subsidiaries believe that there is too much centralisation of power from corporate office.
Nonetheless, in my personal opinion, polycentric approach can still be an effective strategy for multinational companies yet they must be mindful of drawbacks and take steps to ensure the approach remains effective and sustainable.