Discover the skills you need to succeed as a global human resource management professional. 

With many organisations today operating in a global environment and market, global human resource management (HRM) has become an increasingly important focus for organisations worldwide, as it helps businesses connect and effectively engage with their workforce around the world. 

What is Global Human Resource Management? 

The relatively recent trend of globalisation has created organisations that are more diverse and international than ever. This trend brings a new set of considerations and challenges for employers around the world.  

Global HRM focusses on how employers consider global variations in HRM areas from recruitment to retention through to compensation and company culture. It’s essentially HRM on a global scale. 

Global HRM helps organisations reach their global business goals, making Global HRM professionals who can manage diverse workforces highly sought-after in today’s job market.  

Interested in studying global HRM at master's level? Discover why you should choose a CIPD-accredited course:

3 skills you need to succeed as a global HRM professional 

1. Communication 

Advanced communication skills – both verbal and written – are crucial for any HRM professional, and especially important for Global HRM professionals that need to deal with an expansive and diverse global workforce on a daily basis. 

Global HRM professionals also need to be able to adapt their communication style and method according to their audience – no matter their location, language, culture or level within an organisation. 

2. Adaptability 

Globalisation is characterised by constant change – technological, economic, political and social changes are just some examples. To succeed as a Global HRM professional, you need to be able to quickly adapt to change, deal with uncertainty, and even anticipate future changes to maximise your organisation’s success and ability to tackle potential challenges. 

Adaptability is also a vital skill for Global HRM professionals in the context of working with a diverse workforce spanning across different countries. Global HRM professionals need to effectively adapt to different ways of working, timezones, personalities and cultures. 

3. HRM expertise 

Inevitably, Global HRM professionals need to have strong foundational skills in HRM, including skills in areas such as: 

• Leadership 

• Coaching and mentorship 

• Finance and accounting 

• Recruitment 

• Conflict management and problem-solving 

• Planning and strategy 

• Negotiation 

How can an MSc Global HRM help you develop these skills? 

With a global cohort of students that can provide you with unique insights and perspectives on HRM practices around the world, an MSc Global HRM can help you develop and master these essential skills and more. 

You’ll be introduced to key HRM practices and investigate the impacts the globalisation of businesses has had on the HRM industry.  

You'll also explore why HR measures that may be effective in one country can fail in another, even if they’re implemented within the same organisation. 

Using case studies of real organisations to help you enhance your knowledge and skills, you’ll be able to immediately apply what you learn during your course to your current workplace. You’ll also have the opportunity to develop a real HR action plan for your current organisation as your dissertation, which could help you gain a promotion, or even a new job. 

As an MSc Global HRM graduate, you’ll be well-equipped with all the skills necessary to effectively manage employees from a diverse range of cultures and backgrounds. 

The University of Portsmouth’s online MSc Global Human Resource Management can equip you with the expert knowledge and skills you need to help organisations effectively engage with their employees around the world and manage human resource issues on a global scale: