Author: Greg Shrewsbury

I’ve always heard that the value of networking is unmatched when it comes to finding great careers opportunities.   This is definitely true.

I’ve had the privilege of engaging and interacting with the Houston International HR Roundtable over the past year.   What it has afforded me is the realization of a very important career goal—true international exposure via a two year assignment in Paris, France!

I was approached about this opportunity through a contact at the roundtable.  Because of the roundtable connection, I was interviewed and ultimately offered the role of Vice President of Human Resources at Technip-North America…a journey that will start in Paris.

I can’t stress the importance of networking with colleagues at the appropriate level.  I feel the International HR Roundtable is the best organization in Houston that addresses international issues and mobilization for senior HR leaders.

We are all presented with prospects, and we have to take advantage of them as they arise.  This is true in our personal lives and our professional lives.   Participating in and supporting the right organizations are essential.

I would like to thank Larry and the roundtable for “getting me connected” with the right international career opportunity.  Merci!

I wish the Larry and the roundtable continued success.

À la prochaine!

[Editors Note:  We are happy to welcome back Greg Shrewsbury as a Guest Author.  Greg is now Vice President, Human Resources-North America for Technip.  We wish Greg the best of luck on his new adventure in Paris.]

You are invited to submit a response to this Call for Presentations to be considered as a speaker for the monthly educational sessions of the Houston International HR Roundtable.  Proposals will be reviewed by the Roundtable’s Selection Committee and will become property of the Roundtable.  For vendors/service providers, we have a preference for you to include an international HR practitioner as part of the presentation.  Presentations must be eligible for HRCI recertification credit.  Although all topics relating to international human resources are eligible, the Selection Committee is particularly interested in presentations relating to:

• international compensation and benefits
• security issues
• global diversity
• cross-cultural communication
• localization of long-term expatriates
• relocation issues
• spouse and family issues

Submissions should be made to Submit Presentation with “Call for Presentations” in the subject line.  Thank you!

You are invited to the July education program of the Houston
International HR Roundtable. Edward Franco of Aon Consulting will speak on:

China: Strategic HR, Business, and Cultural Issues

• Cultural implications for China’s future
• Demographic issues
• Retention
  
• Employment issues
  
• Doing Business in China (HR perspective and implications)
  
• Mergers and Acquisitions

Eddie will be providing numerous real-life examples of doing business in China from an HR perspective. His
presentation will provide an understanding of how cultural issues affect strategic HR issues and how it is different than in the US. If your company is doing business in China, or considering it in the future, this is a program not to be missed!

Edward Franco is a Vice President with Aon Consulting and is based in Houston, Texas. He advises clients on global and international issues, including:

• Mergers, Acquisitions, Divestitures, and New Country Entry. Lead project management office, global due diligence and post-merger integration activities. Identify HR synergies and ensure activities support expected merger synergies.

• Business Training. Train M&A teams regarding global acquisitions and divestitures: developing M&A objectives, synergy development, project management, staffing and selection, engagement, communication, leadership and culture, HR policies and employment law, compensation and benefits, organization design, HRIS and HR delivery, due diligence simulation, integration simulation.

• Program Design. Analysis and design of organization effectiveness, compensation, and benefit programs around the world, including global programs and programs for international assignees.

Eddie has worked with many leading companies, governments and various
multilateral development organizationsa round the world. His experience includes designing and implementing national savings systems, advising on the separation and labor issues of employees in state owned enterprises, and global data privacy issues in business expansion and mergers and acquisitions. He has lived in Belgium, Canada, France, Hong Kong, Indonesia, the Philippines, PRC, Singapore, Uganda, United Kingdom, USA and visited over 30 countries on business assignments. Eddie holds a Bachelor degree in mathematics for management from Brunel University.

Directions and Parking Information: Heritage Plaza is across from the downtown Doubletree Hotel.

Parking is available at the Doubletree hotel or Heritage Clay Street
Parking Garage, 200 Clay, Houston 77002.You can park at the Doubletree hotel and walk across the street to the building – proceed to the 45th floor. Alternatively, park in the Heritage Clay Street Parking Garage – address of the garage is 200 Clay Street, Houston, TX 77002. If you park in the Clay Street Garage, park in any space that is not marked “Reserved.” Take the elevator in the Clay Street Garage to the Basement (‘B’). Upon reaching Basement level, turn left and follow the hallway until you reach the wall with the large ‘H’ on it. Turn left and immediately on the right you will see two elevators. Take the elevator to the Sky Lobby (‘SL’). Once you reach the Sky Lobby, turn right and proceed to the middle bank of elevators. Proceed to the 45th floor to the Deloitte reception area – this is the floor where the meeting will take place.

2010 Host Sponsor - Deloitte Tax LLP

Please contact us regarding other sponsorship opportunities.

The Human Resource Development Program at the University of Houston

Your source for experts in training and development, and organization development

Succession planning, mergers and acquisitions, strategic planning, are all critical topics on the minds of today’s HR Leaders. The University of Houston (U of H) remains one of the few universities embedded within an urban community to help ensure that local organizations have the resources necessary to succeed locally and globally. The Human Development and Consumer Sciences department at U of H currently offers both an Undergraduate (B.S) and a Master’s of Science (M.S.) degree in Human Resource Development (HRD). This article provides information on the following four topics:

1. Faculty
2. Program
3. Advisory Board
4. Students
5. Global Outreach

Faculty
Faculty members have expertise in the strategic disciplines of HRD as well as practical experience in the public, private, and non-governmental sectors. Consequently, students benefit because the faculty facilitates learning experiences that are relevant, meaningful, and authentic. Students are able transfer learning to their jobs and organizations.

Program
The HRD curriculum is unique because it retains its fundamentals in learning and performance but remains dynamic to ensure relevance and timeliness with business and industry. The curriculum is diverse and integrated. The program includes courses such as Instructional Design, Adult Learning, E-learning, Design of Organization Development Interventions, and Leadership. The integrated approach provides students a well-rounded perspective of learning, change, transfer and performance in organizations at the local and global levels. The blend of theory and practice, gives students strong problem-solving skills that allows them assess and adapt to any context. The program is also characterized by a concerted effort to helping students “learn how to learn”.

Advisory Board
What differentiates this program from other master’s degree programs is the advisory board. The program’s advisory board consists of experts that include consultants and practitioners in public and private organizations. The board regularly interfaces with faculty and students to provide additional perspectives on curriculum and applied projects, while sharing examples of business problems requiring HRD expertise and action. Advisory board members are also regular speakers in the HRD courses, and many serve as mentors. Advisory board members also provide leads on HRD internships and full-time positions.

Student Society of Human Resource Development
Along with having top-notch faculty and access to the advisory board, the student population has also taken ownership of the program’s success. The students manage the Student Society of Human Resources Development (SSHRD) and actively recruit students for the HRD programs. The SSHRD group is associated with the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD), providing additional opportunities to network with industry professionals. SSHRD members lead and participate in service projects, and HRD events that promote the development of its members and related communities.

Global Outreach
To further the global reach of the HRD programs, a student mentorship program has been established in partnership with the Houston International HR Roundtable. The goal of the mentorship program is to foster new relationships and assist students in better defining their career paths. This mentorship program enhances the global presence and foci of the HRD programs.

If you are interested in furthering your career in Human Resource Development, please contact Dr. Consuelo Waight (cwaight@uh.edu) or Dr. Holly Hutchins (hmhutchi@Central.UH.EDU).

[Editors Note:  Thank you to the faculty of the HRD program for providing this information.  We look forward to working with the HRD faculty and students on a variety of initiatives as we continue to develop Houston as the Global Center of Excellence for International HR.]

Author:  Thomas Fox

Thank you to Tom Fox for allowing us to post a link to his recent webinar!

One of the key company lynch-pins in any FCPA compliance and ethics program is Human Resources. Most HR professional do not think of themselves as on the front lines for FCPA compliance and ethics. However the HR function is plays a  key role in “connecting the dots” for FCPA ethics and compliance. What policy does a company take to punish those employees who may engage in unethical and non-compliant behavior in order to meet company revenue targets versus what rewards are handed out to those employees who integrate such ethical and compliant behavior into their individual work practices going forward? One of the very important functions of HR is assisting management in setting the criteria for employee bonuses and assisting management in the evaluation of employees for the bonuses. This is an equally important role in getting out a company’s message of adherence to a FCPA compliance and ethics policy.

Does a company have, as a component of its bonus compensation plan, a part dedicated to FCPA compliance and ethics? If so, how is this component measured and then administered? There is very little in the corporate world that an employee notices more than what goes into the calculation of their bonuses. HR can and should facilitate this process by setting expectations early in the year and then following through when annual bonuses are released. With the assistance of HR, such a bonus can send a powerful message to employees regarding the seriousness with which compliance is taken at the company. There is nothing like putting your money where your mouth is for people to stand up and take notice.

If a company has an employee who meets, or exceeds all his sales targets, but does so in a manner which is opposite to the company’s stated FCPA compliance and ethics values, other employees will watch and see how that employee is treated. Is that employee rewarded with a large bonus? Is that employee promoted or are the employee’s violations of the company’s compliance and ethics policies swept under the carpet? If the employee is rewarded, or in any way not sanctioned for unethical or non-compliant behavior, it will be noticed and other employees will act accordingly. One of the functions of HR is to help ensure consistent application of company values throughout the organization.

In the energy industry, (and probably lots of other industries) there is the following archetypal story. It usually is told about a Regional Manager in the Far East or the Middle East who is alleged to have said some along the following lines, “If I violate the Code of Conduct I may or may not get caught. If I get caught I may or may not be disciplined. But if don’t make my revenue numbers for two quarters I will be fired”. If such a story is allowed to percolate throughout the company, employees will feel that all that matters is hitting their revenue targets, not acting in an ethical and compliant manner. Human Resources provides a vital front line function is providing consistent, across the board application of a values core values of compliance and ethics by training and then reinforcing that “hitting the numbers” in a manner which is antithetical to the company’s compliance and ethics program is not acceptable. But this must be done in both words and actions.

The HR Department in any multi-national company has a significant role in not only managing the employee base but in assisting to set the correct expectations regarding FCPA compliance and ethics. Consistent applications of these core beliefs and values will assist any company in remaining compliant and driving home the message that the company takes FCPA compliance seriously.

[Editors Note:  We are happy to welcome Thomas Fox of tomfoxlaw.com as a Guest Author.  Tom recently spoke to Houston International HR Roundtable on HR's role in FCPA compliance.  Tom will be presenting a webinar on The Role of HR in FCPA Compliance and Ethics on Tuesday, May 18, 2010 at 2 pm (CST) that will be of interest to international HR professionals.

Registration Link:              https://secure.confertel.net/tsregister.asp?course=509107

Tom has practiced law in Houston for 25 years. He is now assisting companies with FCPA compliance, Risk Management and international transactions. He was most recently the General Counsel at Drilling Controls, Inc., a worldwide oilfield manufacturing and service company.  He was previously Division Counsel with Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. where he supported Halliburton’s software division and its downhole division, which included the logging, directional drilling and drill bit business units.  Tom attended undergraduate school at the University of Texas, graduate school at Michigan State University and law school at the University of Michigan.  Tom writes and speaks nationally and internationally on a wide variety of topics, ranging from FCPA compliance, indemnities and other forms of risk management for a worldwide energy practice, tax issues faced by multi-national US companies, insurance coverage issues and protection of trade secrets.  Additional information on FCPA and compliance issues can be found at http://tfoxlaw.wordpress.com/.]

Houston Intenational HR Roundtable invites you to the April 27, 2010 edition of the “Night Before” networking event!!!  Bring your cards, smiles, and best hand-shake!  This is a great opportunity to informally network with your International HR peers. This event is free to all PAID members.  We have special prices for nonmembers for this event!

Thank you to our Global Center of Excellence Committee chaired by Michelle Sandlin for organizing this event! Now for the REALLY good news!

We will have food provided by Brio Tuscan Grill!
Beverages compliments of Domain at City Center!

There will be door prizes!

2 night stay at Hotel Sorella courtesy of Executive Lodging
We will be giving away movie passes!
We will be giving away American Express Gift cards!

This is a NIGHT BEFORE not to miss!

The Night Before will take place Domain at City Center, 811 Town and Country Blvd, Houston, TX 77024.  Please RSVP accurately.  Vendors – let me know if you would like to sponsor a future Night Before!  See you there!  Don’t forget to register for our April education event – http://hihrtransform.eventbrite.com/

Houston Intenational HR Roundtable is proud to announce it has accepted the Recipe for Success Challenge and is giving 10% of ticket sales for both our April events from April 20 to 27 to the Recipe for Success Foundation (RfS http://bit.ly/dB0sux).  Along with other local businesses, we are trying to make a difference in our local community – http://bit.ly/afXBsg.

Please visit http://houstoninternationalhr.com for our complete schedule of events!

This month we will have our own version of the Transformers.  Patti Willkie Proietti of Deloitte’s Global Employer Services will speak on Transforming the Global Mobility Function. Getting the best talent to global business opportunities is critical for business growth.  To reach beyond traditional markets, companies need to deploy people across borders more flexibly and cost-effectively than ever before, while ensuring the mobility function aligns with the organization’s strategic business objectives.  HR plays an essential role in this process.

During this presentation you will learn what leading companies are doing to address these mobility challenges, and exchange ideas on how to maximize your Global Mobility investment.

Our Objectives:

1. Learn how to develop HR strategies to support global strategic plans.
2. Discuss assignment assessment measures to evaluate assignee fit and impact on business.
3. Learn how to use job valuation systems to determine ROI of mobility investment.

Patti is a member of Deloitte’s Global Employer Services group in Atlanta.  She is a regular speaker to international HR groups and will be presenting at SHRM’s 2010 Annual Conference and Exposition.

UPDATE: We look forward to seeing everyone this week.  Thank you again to PwC for sponsoring the Night Before.  I was fortunate to get a preview of the FCPA presentation and it is THE Foreign Corrupt Practices Act program to attend if you are in HR – whether you are just beginning your career or the VP!  Our speakers cover the challenges and solutions for human resource professionals in reducing your company’s exposure to the pitfalls and HUGE fines arising from FCPA compliance issues.  Please click the buttons below to register.

We have two great events planned for March.  We start off with the “Night Before” networking event on March 23.  PricewaterhouseCoopers will be our sponsor for this event.   Our Tough International HR Challenge Series continues with Foreign Corrupt Practice Act Essentials on March 24.  As always our educational event will be held at the Deloitte Center for Energy Solutions Conference Center.

Houston is also hosting two international HR conferences in March and we welcome Families in Global Transition and National Foreign Trade Council (along with HR Houston). Houston IS the Global Center of Excellence for international human resources.

We look forward to seeing you at our events.  Contact info@houstoninternationalhr.com with any questions.

The “NIGHT BEFORE” is back!

Houston Intenational HR Roundtable invites you to the February 23, 2010 edition of the “Night Before” networking event!!! Bring your cards, smiles, and best hand-shake! This is a
great opportunity to informally network with your International HR
peers.

Thank you to PricewaterhouseCoopers for generously sponsoring this event!

The Night Before will take place at Post Oak Grill Uptown, located at 1415 S. Post Oak Lane, Houston, TX 77056. Please RSVP accurately. Vendors – let me know if you would like to sponsor a
future Night Before! See you there!

PricewaterhouseCoopers (www.pwc.com) provides industry-focused
assurance, tax and advisory services to build public trust and enhance
value for its clients and their stakeholders. More than 163,000 people
in 151 countries across our network share their thinking, experience
and solutions to develop fresh perspectives and practical advice.

You are invited to the February education program of the Houston International HR Roundtable. Our speakers, featuring both international HR and immigraion law professionals, will present: Tough International HR Challenge Series: Immigration Essentials for the International HR Professional:

Eve Stoddard – CGGVeritas

Laura Harris – Marathon Oil Company

Kelly Cobb – FosterQuan, LLP

Employers are increasingly facing the consequences of their decisions to think and act globally and face numerous challenges as they move employees across borders. Mistakes can have implications ranging from not getting people to the right place at the right time to
bad press to penalties to …

In this installment of our Tough International HR Challenge Series you will learn:

• The Immigration challenge – Global Overview!
• US Nonimmigrant Visas & Status
  
• Options from both legal and IHR regarding how to plan for this year’s H-1B cap filing and prepare both the employer and employees and have realistic expectations.
• Update on what legal counsel is observing from US CIS processing of L-1 transfer petitions.
• Recent trends of US Customs & Border Protection processing.
• Update as to what your overseas employees can really do when they enter as a B-1 visitor or on the visa waiver.
• Update On The Permanent Resident Process.
• Current trends and processing times.
• Will the delays in backlog of immigrant visas every end? How HR professionals deal with employee expectations and how immigration counsel can assist with these expectations?
• Best practices in working with outside legal counsel on immigration matters – what works and what doesn’t with this relationship, and what constitutes a “dream relationship?”

It is imperative for international HR professionals to know the essentials and how (and when) to work with outside immigration counsel. As always, our presentations will contain real-world examples. We look forward to seeing you on February 24!

HRCI recertification credit submitted

2010 Host Sponsor - Deloitte Tax LLP

Please contact us regarding other sponsorship opportunities.