Thursday, September 29, 2005
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Employment Discrimination in Sweden
This was on Yahoo's front page, so I thought it might be a good idea for me to note a few things. First, this case is in Sweden. As the International Business folks have gotten very tired of hearing, culture and laws differ. True, there have been employment discrimination cases in the US where height requirements and other physical requirements have been struck down (as I recall, some were on gender and others I think on ethnicity). However, in the US cases, the finding was that the requirement wasn't something actually needed for the job [Note 1]. From what was reported here, it sound as though the minimum height requirement was a job requirement -- if a US employer could establish that efficiency or safety really did require the minimum heights, the employer would, I think, probably win the suit.
[Note 1]. The interesting case was with firefighters. Traditional selection requirements for that job included the ability to lift, I think, 250 or 300 pounds. When this requirement was challenged, and a job analysis actually performed, what came out was that the ability to lift that amount of weight wasn't essential; what was essential was the ability to carry a lesser amount over a distance. In other words, endurance rather than strength. Women actually do better on endurence than men. That doesn't mean that many women will qualify as firefighters -- it's not office work. But, if you think through it, doesn't it make sense to take the time to find out what the job really requires, and find people who meet those qualifications?
[Note 1]. The interesting case was with firefighters. Traditional selection requirements for that job included the ability to lift, I think, 250 or 300 pounds. When this requirement was challenged, and a job analysis actually performed, what came out was that the ability to lift that amount of weight wasn't essential; what was essential was the ability to carry a lesser amount over a distance. In other words, endurance rather than strength. Women actually do better on endurence than men. That doesn't mean that many women will qualify as firefighters -- it's not office work. But, if you think through it, doesn't it make sense to take the time to find out what the job really requires, and find people who meet those qualifications?
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
Ukrainian President in deeper hot water
Seems that the Ukrainian Parliament is Not Happy with Mr. Yushchenko's recent reorganization of his government. I'm guessing [crystal ball on] we'll see Yulia Tymoshenko running things by next year [crystal ball off].
BBC NEWS: Europe: Ukraine PM rebuff deepens crisis
BBC NEWS: Europe: Ukraine PM rebuff deepens crisis
Friday, September 16, 2005
International Business Exam
Which Scandinavian country doesn't fit with the others?
Who still has Communist governments?
Fortune Global 500
Who still has Communist governments?
Fortune Global 500
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
Post a Comment !!
Post a comment -- for one point added to your final grade (one per customer, please)
WalMart and their overseas suppliers
According to this article ("Wal-Mart Accused of Denying Workers' Rights") in The Washington Post,
An American labor rights group filed a class action lawsuit today against Wal-Mart Stores Inc., alleging that suppliers in five foreign countries denied workers a minimum wage, overtime pay and the right to unionize.
The group is suing...
...on behalf of 15 foreign workers, who contend they were subjected to
illegal working conditions, and four California business owners, who argue
Wal-Mart's alleged conduct amounted to unfair business practices.
Should be interesting. Your comments? Both the HR and International folks should be interested in this.
Nowegian Election Results
As we discussed last night in International, Scandinavian values are a bit different from ours. Specifically, there's a very strong sense that nobody should be in need. The result -- a social safety net that includes free education, health care, etc [this is the article Ashley was referring to]
This is, in part, financed from Norway's oil revenues (they're the world's 3d largest exporter of oil), but you'll find the same philosophy and similar programs in the rest of Scandinavia. As we discussed last night, this is different. Not better, not worse, just different. Remember that this social welfare system is funded by tax revenues, and Norwegian tax rates are very high.
The election.
Centre-Left Bloc Wins Norway Poll
The right-center party, under Prime Minister Kjell Magne Bondevik, lost to the left-center Labor Party, led by Jens Stoltenberg. It wasn't an issue of safety-net vs. no safety-net, just how far the social welfare system should go
In the news coverage, pay attention to the references to "blocs" -- specifically, neither Labor nor the Christian People's Pary can form a government unless they form a coalition with one or more minority parties.
One factor that didn't come into the elections was EU membership; Norwegian voters have rejected membership, and there doesn't seem to be a lot of sentiment for joining. In fact, Norway gets a lot of the benefits of EU membership (more on that in a couple of weeks), withough having to give up control over fishing rights. A 2004 article from The Economist, though, sees the matter somewhat differently:
The Norwegian Option
Your thoughts?
This is, in part, financed from Norway's oil revenues (they're the world's 3d largest exporter of oil), but you'll find the same philosophy and similar programs in the rest of Scandinavia. As we discussed last night, this is different. Not better, not worse, just different. Remember that this social welfare system is funded by tax revenues, and Norwegian tax rates are very high.
The election.
Centre-Left Bloc Wins Norway Poll
The right-center party, under Prime Minister Kjell Magne Bondevik, lost to the left-center Labor Party, led by Jens Stoltenberg. It wasn't an issue of safety-net vs. no safety-net, just how far the social welfare system should go
In the news coverage, pay attention to the references to "blocs" -- specifically, neither Labor nor the Christian People's Pary can form a government unless they form a coalition with one or more minority parties.
One factor that didn't come into the elections was EU membership; Norwegian voters have rejected membership, and there doesn't seem to be a lot of sentiment for joining. In fact, Norway gets a lot of the benefits of EU membership (more on that in a couple of weeks), withough having to give up control over fishing rights. A 2004 article from The Economist, though, sees the matter somewhat differently:
The Norwegian Option
Your thoughts?
Monday, September 12, 2005
Bush Suspends Pay Act In Areas Hit by Storm
The Davis-Bacon Act, Federal law since 1931:
However, it is legal to suspend enforcement in a national emergency:
Bush Suspends Pay Act In Areas Hit by Storm
Your thoughts???
"requires all contractors and subcontractors performing work on federal or District of Columbia construction contracts or federally assisted contracts in excess of $2,000 to pay their laborers and mechanics not less than the prevailing wage rates and fringe benefits for corresponding classes of laborers and mechanics employed on similar projects in the area" (Department of Labor)For Louisiana rates, see this DoL page (scroll down to Orleans County [yes, I know it's not "county," but "parish" -- you tell the Department of Labor]).
However, it is legal to suspend enforcement in a national emergency:
Bush Suspends Pay Act In Areas Hit by Storm
Your thoughts???
Sunday, September 11, 2005
More on Disney Hong Kong
When Disney opened EuroDisney, there were problems stemming from Disney's lack of knowledge of local customs. Seems as though they're running into problems in Hong Kong as well, this time by adapting to local customs. Disney Hong Kong has added shark's fin soup to the menu, a popular Asian delicacy, but environmentalists protested the shark killings. Also, some are concerned that the Disney souvenirs are made using sweatshop labor. As you might expect, the LA Times has an excellent article on Disney's international trials and tribulations:
Translating Anaheim for Asia
Disney is also considering adding a park in Shanghai.......
Translating Anaheim for Asia
Disney is also considering adding a park in Shanghai.......
Friday, September 09, 2005
Ukraine president sacks his cabinet
Just what we needed -- more depressing news. Incidentally, a lot of the background on this comes from an excellent paper written by one of this spring's graduating MBA students.
Earlier this year, the Ukrainian Orange Revolution gave us hope that not all of the former USSR was doomed to eternal corruption and tyranny (the Baltics excepted). A reform cadidate, Viktor Yushchenko, survived attempted poisoning and one rigged election to become the democratically elected president of Ukraine. (map and information) Yushchenko rose to power in part because he was seen to be highly competent -- his background was in finance and banking, and people believed that he could put the government's financial house in order and begin to eliminate corruption. In addition, Yushchnko was a good-looking, charismatic speaker (his present appearance owes a lot to the dioxin poisoning).
Fast-forward from January to September. The financial and corruption issues haven't really been addressed; according to the BBC, "infighting" among the Yushchenko administration has taken precedence over getting things done. So, yesterday, Yushchenko cleaned house; chief among the cleanees was Yulia Tymoshenko, the prime minister (head of state). Did Yushchenko want to get to work without political conflict among his top advisors? Did he want to dispose of a potential threat to his power? It's worth noting that Tymoshenko has been urged to form an opposition party or bloc. The defeated candidate for president, Viktor Yanukovich, is returing to Kiev and has "hinted he may cooperate with sacked PM Yulia Tymoshenko." Now, if you really want to go in for conspiracy theories, read this article from Pravda......
For complete coverage of this story and some background, see:
Ukraine President Sacks his Cabinet
Orange Revolution in Turmoil
Putin Still Bitter over Orange Revolution
Ukraine: Why The Road West Will Be Rocky
Earlier this year, the Ukrainian Orange Revolution gave us hope that not all of the former USSR was doomed to eternal corruption and tyranny (the Baltics excepted). A reform cadidate, Viktor Yushchenko, survived attempted poisoning and one rigged election to become the democratically elected president of Ukraine. (map and information) Yushchenko rose to power in part because he was seen to be highly competent -- his background was in finance and banking, and people believed that he could put the government's financial house in order and begin to eliminate corruption. In addition, Yushchnko was a good-looking, charismatic speaker (his present appearance owes a lot to the dioxin poisoning).
Fast-forward from January to September. The financial and corruption issues haven't really been addressed; according to the BBC, "infighting" among the Yushchenko administration has taken precedence over getting things done. So, yesterday, Yushchenko cleaned house; chief among the cleanees was Yulia Tymoshenko, the prime minister (head of state). Did Yushchenko want to get to work without political conflict among his top advisors? Did he want to dispose of a potential threat to his power? It's worth noting that Tymoshenko has been urged to form an opposition party or bloc. The defeated candidate for president, Viktor Yanukovich, is returing to Kiev and has "hinted he may cooperate with sacked PM Yulia Tymoshenko." Now, if you really want to go in for conspiracy theories, read this article from Pravda......
For complete coverage of this story and some background, see:
Ukraine President Sacks his Cabinet
Orange Revolution in Turmoil
Putin Still Bitter over Orange Revolution
Ukraine: Why The Road West Will Be Rocky
Thursday, September 08, 2005
Tonight's Exam (337)
It would be a Good Idea to go back over Mintzberg's management roles; it'll be a short-answer question.
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
Random thoughts about technolgy and Microsoft
Seems that the iPhone is now out; Apple and Motorola have developed a phone that will allow you to store and play 100 tunes.
Apple unveils iTunes phone
This I'd never have envisioned, but the entire point about major change is that it's something that we couldn't imagine in advance. Did any of us need a computer of our own before Bill Gates and Microsoft????
Speaking of Microsoft.......they filed another appeal today in the long-running battle between Microsoft and the EU over anti-trust issues. In this case, on of the major issues is whether or not Microsoft will have to open up its source code. We'll be talking bout this tonight in International; for the Principles folks, this is a good example of how any international involvement adds a huge amount of complexity to your external environment.
Microsoft Files Appeal Against EU Ruling
Apple unveils iTunes phone
This I'd never have envisioned, but the entire point about major change is that it's something that we couldn't imagine in advance. Did any of us need a computer of our own before Bill Gates and Microsoft????
Speaking of Microsoft.......they filed another appeal today in the long-running battle between Microsoft and the EU over anti-trust issues. In this case, on of the major issues is whether or not Microsoft will have to open up its source code. We'll be talking bout this tonight in International; for the Principles folks, this is a good example of how any international involvement adds a huge amount of complexity to your external environment.
Microsoft Files Appeal Against EU Ruling
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
A One-Time Offer
1 extra credit point (added to final grade) for the first five people to add a comment to any of these posts !!!!!! (ok, it needs to be a semi-meaningful comment....). If you're in more than one class, tell me which class you want the point for.
Of Interest to both HR and International Business
This article from the New York Times deals with the efforts of workers, many of them immigrants, to organize labor unions in poultry processing plants.
Union Organizers at Poultry Plants in South Find Newly Sympathetic Ears
For the HR class -- as we discussed last week, there is a rationale for a low-cost HR strategy, such as in cases where jobs are low-skill and there's a lot of price pressure on the company (to deliver a low-cost product). What you want to think through is just how far should that strategy be followed? In other words, what are the ethical implications here?
Your thoughts?
Union Organizers at Poultry Plants in South Find Newly Sympathetic Ears
For the HR class -- as we discussed last week, there is a rationale for a low-cost HR strategy, such as in cases where jobs are low-skill and there's a lot of price pressure on the company (to deliver a low-cost product). What you want to think through is just how far should that strategy be followed? In other words, what are the ethical implications here?
Your thoughts?
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