The Case:

AstraZeneca, Plc the world's fifth largest pharmaceutical company:

AstraZeneca is known for its strong expatriate management practices. The company has put various mechanisms in
place to prepare employees for life in a different country. AstraZeneca, like other companies, has also been
challenged to have a relook at its expatriate management practices in the light of the global economic slowdown.

Over the years, AstrZeneca, Plc has developed a strong reputation for its expatriate management practices.
Expatriate management at this company went beyond tackling issues such as compensation, housing, and issues
related to the spouse’s career abroad, etc..

Issues:

1. Global HRM/ International HRM

2. International Management
3. Expatriate management
4. International staffing
5. Work Life Balance.

Question for Discussion:

 What are issues and challenges in global human resource management?

 Critically analyse AstraZeneca’s expatriate management practices;
 analyse AstraZeneca's decisions related to expatriates in the face of the ongoing economic recession.
 According to the 2007 Expatriate Work/Life Balance Survey, 65% of expats report feeling the strain of
managing the demands of work and home, leading to more anxieties at home and at the workplace. What
steps can an organization take to mitigate this?
 What decisions related to expatriates can organizations take to maximize the benefits to the company
despite the ongoing economic recession? Do you think a company that paid more careful attention to
selection could further boost their chances of success?
 understand how the initiatives adopted by AstraZeneca in this area will help its employees on
international assignments adjust well to their work environment, perform well and attain a work / life
balance?