Strategic Human Management

 

 

Prepare a case analysis on the following case study on global HRM strategic management and why it is critical to the success of an organization in meeting its goals and mission. In your analysis, respond to the following question: What is strategic management, and why is it critical to the success of an organization in meeting its goals and mission globally?

Your analysis of this case and your written submission should reflect an understanding of the critical issues of the case, integrating the material covered in the text, and present concise and well-reasoned justifications for the stance that you take.

Tesco® — Entry Into and Exit From Japan

In September 2011, Tesco, the British supermarket group and the world’s third-biggest retailer, announced its exit from Japan after 8 years in the country. In the event, Tesco became the latest in a long list of foreign retailers to exit from Japan. This case study highlights why many international supermarket chains like Tesco have been unsuccessful so far in a difficult Japanese market.

“Let’s be honest, Japan was a short, expensive adventure for us.” — Jose Luis Duran, Chief Executive of Carrefour in March 2005 on its exit from Japan.

“These retailers brought into Japan their business formats without adjusting for Japan. It’s not as if a wholesale-club-type concept will not take off here, but there has to be some modification.” — Masayoshi Saotome, research director at Mitsubishi® Research Institute Inc.

Japan, the world’s third-biggest grocery market, remains a difficult country to make money from, as international retailers Walmart® and Carrefour have found out. Walmart has not done very well in Japan with its presence since 2002 through Seiyu. When Carrefour entered Japan in 2000, it made huge claims on revolutionizing retailing in the country. However, in 2005, Carrefour swapped its Japanese assets for Tesco’s assets in Taiwan.

Seven & I Holdings® and Aeon® dominate Japan. Even British drugstore chain Boots pulled out of Japan owing to increased competition and deflation. Additionally, Japan’s Byzantine distribution system of closely knit web of suppliers and consumers’ fickle taste is the reason behind many retailers struggling. Many analysts attribute the failure to misreading Japanese consumers’ mindset. However, the competitive Japanese retail market is a tough arena, not just for foreign retailers but also for local Japanese department stores. Local stores also have been struggling with price deflation and ever-increasing specialty stores.

Case Study Questions:

Why are the Japanese retail markets so difficult to compete in?
Why are Japanese customers reluctant to shop at foreign retailers versus local retailers?
Case analysis criteria: Your case analysis should consist of:

A brief analysis of the situation and pending decision problem, as presented in the case, and as relevant to your answer. This should be exceptionally brief, and you should assume the person reading the assignment is familiar with the details of the case.
Identification of the major issues surrounding the organization or individuals involved with the organization.
Identification of alternate courses of action to address the issues identified.
The decision or recommendation for action, with the appropriate supporting arguments.
The case question is designed to guide the direction of your analysis in the case. Your analysis should address and ultimately answer the question.

You may discuss your case analysis assignment with the class, but you must submit your own original work.

Case analysis tips: Avoid common errors in case analyses, such as:

Focusing too heavily on minor issues.
Lamenting because of insufficient data in the case and ignoring creative alternatives.
Rehashing of case data — you should assume the reader knows the case.
Not appropriately evaluating the quality of the case’s data.
Obscuring the quantitative analysis or making it difficult to understand.

Case Analysis: Tesco’s Exit from Japan and the Importance of Strategic HRM in Global Expansion

Analysis of the Situation:

Tesco, a global retail giant, faced failure in the Japanese market despite being the world’s third-largest retailer at the time of entry. Their exit in 2011 highlights the critical role of strategic Human Resource Management (HRM) in achieving global success.

Major Issues:

  • Misunderstanding the Market:Tesco failed to adapt its business model to Japanese consumer preferences and the complex distribution network.
  • Cultural Insensitivity:Ignoring local consumer habits and failing to build trust with Japanese employees and customers.
  • Weak Global HRM Strategy:Ineffective talent acquisition, training, and cultural integration for employees in Japan.

Strategic HRM for Global Success:

Strategic HRM aligns HR practices with the organization’s overall goals and mission on a global scale. In Tesco’s case, a strong strategic HRM approach could have addressed the identified issues:

  • Market Research and Localization:Conducting in-depth market research to understand consumer preferences and tailoring the business model accordingly.
  • Culturally Sensitive Recruitment:Hiring and training local talent with an understanding of the Japanese market and building trust with customers.
  • Cross-Cultural Training:Equipping employees with cultural sensitivity training to bridge the gap between British and Japanese business practices.
  • Knowledge Transfer:Facilitating knowledge transfer between local and international employees for a global perspective within the Japanese operations.

Recommendation:

Tesco’s experience emphasizes the criticality of strategic HRM in global expansion. By prioritizing cultural sensitivity, local talent recruitment, and cross-cultural training, Tesco could have potentially achieved a deeper understanding of the Japanese market and adapted its approach for success.

Why Strategic Management Matters Globally:

Strategic management is the process of setting organizational goals, formulating plans to achieve them, and allocating resources effectively. In the context of globalization, strategic management is crucial for navigating diverse markets and cultures:

  • Identifying Opportunities and Threats:Analyzing global markets to identify opportunities for expansion and potential threats like cultural differences.
  • Developing Competitive Advantage:Formulating strategies to leverage resources and capabilities to gain a competitive edge in the global marketplace.
  • Resource Allocation:Allocating resources efficiently, considering factors like cultural nuances and legal environments in international markets.
  • Performance Evaluation:Monitoring and evaluating performance in global markets to adapt strategies and ensure alignment with overall goals.

Conclusion:

Tesco’s failed expansion in Japan serves as a cautionary tale. Strategic HRM and effective global management are essential for success in international markets. Businesses that prioritize understanding local cultures, building trust with local stakeholders, and adapting their business models can navigate the complexities of global expansion and achieve sustainable growth.

 

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