AstraZeneca

This case explores human resource management at AstraZeneca. While AstraZeneca has been active in the development of pharmaceutical drugs for years, the company became a household name following its development, in conjunction with researchers at Oxford University, of a vaccine for COVID$-19.$ With a presence in more than $100$ countries, developing a global workforce that is comfortable interacting with people from other cultures and doing business in different nations is critical. When making selections for foreign postings, AstraZeneca selects only those employees who show high potential for success. The company also invests in providing assistance to employees, spouses, and families as they transition to another country. Assistance can range from locating schools for children to providing language training. AstraZeneca believes investments like these will pay off in the form of a diverse workforce comprised of people who don't all think the same, and who approach challenges differently.

You are about to read a short case exploring global staffing at AstraZeneca. Witt more than $76,000$ employees located around the world, a key strategic initiative at AstraZeneca is to build a cadre of managers who have a global perspective and are comfortable moving around the world. You will be asked to answer questions linking your knowledge from the chapter to the situation detailed in the case. The goal is to demonstrate your understanding of global human resource management.

Read the case and answer the questions that follow.

AstraZeneca is one of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies. While the company has been active in more than $100$ nations and in $2020,$ had sales in excess of $$26$ billion, AstraZeneca only became a household name following its development of a vaccine for COVID$-19.$ Headquartered in London, the company has more than $76,000$ employees around the world. About one$-$fifth are in the United States, one$-$third in Europe, and one$-$quarter in China. A key strategic imperative for this multinational is to build a talented global workforce, led by managers who have a global perspective and are comfortable moving around the world, interacting with people from other cultures, and doing business in different nations. It is not easy.