Global talent management and development in multinationals may be held back

Research finds two-thirds of UK organisations are suffering from a shortage of highly effective leaders. This leaves multinational organisations facing the major challenge of finding capable individuals to lead across a range of countries and cultures. The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) has published new guidance to help multinational organisations attract and retain talented individuals, and nurture them into successful leaders.

International Management Development highlights some of the challenges multinational organisations continually face in developing and retaining talent. This includes concerns surrounding lack of manager buy-in, which could cause employers to lose high performers to competitors.

Frances Wilson, CIPD International Manager, says, ìIt is important to develop an international corporate identity and identify brand values which have meaning internationally. Employers must then encourage managers across all locations to develop an international mindset so that they understand the need to think globally and develop their staff with an international focus in mind. This will help employers succeed in retaining, investing and developing their high performers.î

Dr Hilary Harris, co-author of International Management Development, adds, ìMany local operators donít see the benefits of engaging in corporate talent development. They are often small and too cost-conscious to want to spend time developing individuals who will be moved elsewhere within the organisation. Likewise, many managers in local or regional operations are reluctant to let outstanding performers move on to other roles outside their area because they cannot see the direct benefits.î

The guide identifies the need for employers to create a set of international leadership qualities and recognises that developing leaders who can manage and are accepted across the globe is important to business success.

Dr Michael Dickman, co-author of the report, says, ìEmployer branding and talent management are intimately linked and just as important ñ the ability to recruit the most talented leaders from around the world relies on the organisationís image and brand values.

ìMultinational organisations need to create a list of international leader competencies. These will help make sure employees understand the organisationís international objectives, enable employers to achieve an integrative mentality and nurture diverse thinking and coordination.î

The guide uses a selection of case studies to highlight some of the issues multinational organisations are facing, the growing challenges they have and how they have overcome problems. These challenges include changing global trends, rising skills of low cost workforces in Asia, changes in the psychological contract and work-life balance.

The report includes the following case studies:

Nestl
Cadbury Schweppes
Siemens
HSBC
United Nations