The role of cultural and legal factors in shaping strategies for transferring human resource management practices in multinational companies: A case study of Holcim Algeria
Keywords:
Multinational companies, HRM transfer strategies, cultural factors, legal factors, Holcim AlgeriaAbstract
This study explores a key strategic challenge faced by multinational corporations: the transfer of human resource management (HRM) practices across different cultural and legal contexts. It focuses on the case of Holcim Algeria. The research adopts a case study approach and uses qualitative data collection tools, including document analysis, field observation, and semi-structured interviews. The data was organized and analyzed using the qualitative analysis software NVivo 14. Findings show that local cultural and legal factors serve as major constraints, compelling the company to adopt adaptive strategies. These strategies aim to preserve corporate identity while responding to local requirements. The legal framework was created to play a particularly influential role. This study offers both practical and academic insights into how HRM practices are transferred. It provides recommendations to help multinational firms succeed in emerging markets by striking a balance between global standards and local specificities.
Downloads
References
1. Khasro, M., & Hossain, M. (2014). A Comparative Study of HRM Practices between Foreign and Local Garment Companies in Bangladesh. South Asian Journal of Human Resources Management, SAGE Publications India, pp. 67–89.
2. Lertxundi, A., & Landeta, J. (2011). The dilemma facing multinational enterprises: transfer or adaptation of their human resource management systems. The International Journal of Human Resource Management, pp. 1788–1807.
3. Noluthando, Z., Funmilola, O., Oluwafunmi, A., Chidera, V., Titilola, F., & Andrew, I. (2024). Cross-cultural business development strategies: A review of USA and Africa. International Journal of Science and Research Archive, pp. 1408–1417.https://doi.org/10.30574/ijsra.2024.11.1.0233
4. Phil, A. (2011). The sub-national embeddedness of international HRM. Human Relations, pp. 531–551. https://doi.org/10.1177/0018726710396243
5. Sadikin, A., Yodiansyah, H., Budiasih, Y., Sugiarti, & Kusnadi, I. (2023). Adaptive human resource management in confrontation of globalization's challenges. Journal Economics, pp. 1761–1767.
6. Song, J. (2021). How MNE subsidiaries transfer HRM practices in distant environments: A tale of two IKEA subsidiaries. Journal of International Management.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.intman.2021.100850
7. Volkov, I., & Cherré, B. (2023). Interplay of strategic and institutional factors in the process of transfer of human resource management practices in MNCs. Journal of Human Resource and Sustainability Studies, pp. 32–50.https://doi.org/10.4236/jhrss.2023.111003
8. Qabaj, IS, & Asaad, SAR (2024, June 30). The impact of strategic HRM practices on organizational agility: A case study of the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics. Nama Journal of Economics and Commerce, pp. 134–161. (In Arabic)
9. Ghouati, H. (2013). The impact of multinational company strategies on technology transfer in developing countries: A case study of Brazil. Biskra, Algeria: Mohamed Khider University of Biskra. (In Arabic)
10. Chaadri Maamar, S., & Jemiat, K. (2024, July 18). Improving HRM practices under digital transformations to enhance performance and service quality in universities: A case study of Mohamed Boudiaf University of M'sila. Al Ustadh Al Baheth Journal for Legal and Political Studies, pp. 385–404. (In Arabic)
11. Faraj, A. A., & Al-Maqduli Al-Bahlouli, N. (2021, June 30). The role of HRM in developing hotel services: A case study of the Dhaman Investment Company hotels in Tripoli, Libya. The International Journal of Economic Performance, pp. 01–25. (In Arabic)
12. Mekki, M. (2022, April 22). ICT as a tool to reduce local subcontracting firms' losses during the COVID-19 pandemic: A case study of LafargeHolcim Algeria branch. Al Bashayer Economic Journal, 08(01), pp. 436–455. (In Arabic)
13. Al-Qassem, M. (2021). Differences between qualitative and quantitative approaches in social research: A study to achieve methodological integration. The Arab Journal of Scientific Publishing, pp. 332–358. (In Arabic)
14. Nasseri, N. (2020). Foreign direct investment and the financing of economic development in developing countries: The case of Algeria. Tlemcen, Algeria: New University Publishing. (In Arabic)
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 The International tax journal

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.