Managing people’s values and perceptions in multi‐cultural organisations : The experience of an HR director

Examines the problems and pitfalls of managing multi‐cultural organisations from a corporate perspective. The author, a practising HR director, makes use of his work experience of three companies to analyse the difficulties arising from different values, perceptions and cultures in MNCs. Language and communications play a significant role which are illustrated in the areas of European Works Councils, mergers and takeovers and HRM processes, particularly regarding international recruitment. Solutions to these problems include training management awareness and understanding of the cultural context within which the firm operates, and managers keeping an open mind with regard to the different values and perceptions held by others.