Subject category:
Human Resource Management / Organisational Behaviour
Published by:
RSM Case Development Centre
Version: August 2020
Length: 13 pages
Data source: Field research
Abstract
This case illustrates the challenges of cross-cultural leadership when a company opens a new subsidiary in a foreign country. Students are confronted with the example of a Dutch company, TOPdesk - a service management developer. The case is situated when they are in the process of opening an office in Sao Paula, Brazil and consequently having difficulty in acquiring personnel. The situation highlights a clash between corporate and country culture and students are motivated to think about the interaction between national and corporate culture, and the implications of differences therein. Possible solutions are looked in to from a Human Resource perspective, but the case is also useful for leadership students.
Teaching and learning
This item is suitable for undergraduate and postgraduate courses.Time period
The events covered by this case took place in 2014.Geographical setting
Region:
Americas
Country:
Brazil
Location:
Sao Paulo
Featured company
TOPdesk
Employees:
501-1000
Industry:
IT service management
Featured protagonist
- Nick Spier (male), Head of Recruitment and Selection
About
Abstract
This case illustrates the challenges of cross-cultural leadership when a company opens a new subsidiary in a foreign country. Students are confronted with the example of a Dutch company, TOPdesk - a service management developer. The case is situated when they are in the process of opening an office in Sao Paula, Brazil and consequently having difficulty in acquiring personnel. The situation highlights a clash between corporate and country culture and students are motivated to think about the interaction between national and corporate culture, and the implications of differences therein. Possible solutions are looked in to from a Human Resource perspective, but the case is also useful for leadership students.
Teaching and learning
This item is suitable for undergraduate and postgraduate courses.Settings
Time period
The events covered by this case took place in 2014.Geographical setting
Region:
Americas
Country:
Brazil
Location:
Sao Paulo
Featured company
TOPdesk
Employees:
501-1000
Industry:
IT service management
Featured protagonist
- Nick Spier (male), Head of Recruitment and Selection