Case 1: Quality Compliance at the Hawthorn Arms

Case 1: Quality Compliance at the Hawthorn Arms

Question 1:

Before making any decision regarding these candidates, Alistair should consider factors such as technical ability, cross-cultural suitability, family requirements, country/cultural requirements, language and MNE requirements (Dowling et al, 2009, p. 119).

When we look at the three candidates’ profile, they each have different strengths and weaknesses. To begin with Marie Erten‐Loiseau,

* Marie Erten‐Loiseau

* May be the best match. She ranks high on technical ability, cultural suitability, family status, a facility with languages and, perhaps most importantly, she will be able to represent the interests of Trianon in the inevitable day to day negotiations required when starting up a joint venture. She has a wealth of experience with the firm in a wide range of assignments. She has never been involved in a joint venture and her experiences in Poland and Czechoslovakia may not translate into success in Hungary.

* Janos Gabor

* Has the advantages of cultural suitability, facility with languages and family status. He lacks technical ability and, given his short tenure with the firm, may lack an in‐depth understanding for and empathy for the Trianon position. His contacts with the political elite in Hungary will only be of use if Janos is able to use these contacts for the long term good of Trianon. The potential for a conflict of loyalties between these local contacts and Trianon is a potential source of concern.

* Sinead Marrinan‐McGuire

Has the impressive strengths in technical ability – particularly in the complex field of joint ventures, an understanding of the display systems technology that must be diffused to the Hungarian operation and an in depth corporate level perspective. Her weaknesses are in the areas of cultural suitability, having spent most of her career in Western Europe, language concerns and family status. Her spouse has a culturally‐embedded...