Strategic Human Resource Management

Section Two
Likewise, there are other strategy-related human
resource implications of globalization. With greater globalization
of markets, it will become more difficult for companies that do
no human resource planning to compete with companies from
other countries that have taken advantage of such strategy and
planning contributions. For example, Volkswagen has attributed
some of its managerial successes to its human resources.
Volkswagen maintains a long-term approach, which is evident
in its training programs that prepare workers for highly
automated production systems. Also tied in with its human
resource and planning efforts is Volkswagen’s extensive
involvement in apprenticeship training programs. During one
year, 4,500 apprentices were employed by Volkswagen and
guaranteed permanent jobs after completion of training, even
though unemployment levels in Germany were relatively high.^47
Volkswagen’s stock of skilled workers may provide it with a
sustainable competitive advantage over its rivals. Nonetheless,
Germany’s current high wage rates have offset this advantage
to some extent.