The objective of this thesis is to shed more light on the subject of travelling during sabbaticals as a personnel policy instrument for IHRM to set new motivation, commitment incentives with various development perspectives for their employees in this challenging environment by a critical analysis of its potential chances and risks. For this purpose, the present thesis is subdivided into seven chapters.
While in the chapter 1, the problem statement has already been demonstrated and the limitations on the elaboration with the goal of a straight-line work and a clear scope will follow, the real scientific work starts in chapter 2. This chapter gives an understanding of the challenges and characteristics of internationally operating companies. It serves to create a fundamental understanding of how Travel-Sabbaticals can play a role for these companies. In order to make the necessities and challenges of the international employers, clearer, selected contents on cultural diversity and the importance of intercultural competences, the complexity of the IHRM and the new requirements due to global trends are covered.
In chapter 3, general theoretical foundations of the basis construct sabbatical are presented. The theory is supplemented by insights into international companies handling of sabbaticals and already achieved experiences with this instrument. Based on the previous, chapter 4 deals with the new approach Travel-Sabbatical, which can be seen as a specific upgrade of sabbaticals. Hereto the history and meaning of travelling is focused on and a closer look will be taken on the previously cited quotation from Goethe. This is followed by the definition of and further information on Travel-Sabbaticals to build the base for a profound understanding of what is needed in the next chapters.
Chapter 5 is then explicitly dedicated to chances and economic advantages for international employers. It investigates the positive effects on the employees due to travelling during the professional time out. Chapter 6 is focused on the risks and costs that may arise with the personnel policy instrument Travel-Sabbatical. It completes the critical analysis of chances and risks with a simplified cost-benefit analysis. Finally, the most important results will be summed up und supplemented by recommendations for action in chapter 7 and the perspectives of employees, the most important success capital for companies, will be in the limelight of Travel-Sabbaticals.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction.
- Problem Statement...
- Theoretical Objective and Structure of the Thesis
- Demarcations and Scope.
- Challenges of International Companies in View of Multiculturalism
- Cultural Diversity Determines Daily Business......
- International Human Resource Management Takes Up a Central Position.....
- Megatrends Require New Motivation and Commitment Incentives...........
- Sabbaticals Can Be Seen as One Solution
- History and Definition of Sabbatical....
- Models and Characteristics of Sabbaticals Orientate on Employee Needs......
- Current State and Relevance Shows Sabbaticals Are in Great Demand.
- Practice Insights of Sabbaticals in International Companies
- Travel-Sabbaticals Can Offer A Plus for International Companies.
- Humans Have Been Travelling Since Their Existence.
- Travelling is Well Known to Broadens the Mind and this is Desired..............
- Definition and Meaning of Travel-Sabbatical......
- Preconditions and Attractive Offer Impulses for Travel-Sabbaticals…………………………..
- Chances and Economic Advantages for International Employer...........
- Development of Intercultural Competences...
- Increase of Employees Motivation ........
- Realization of Potentials of Megatrends for Higher Commitment
- Encouragement of Soft Skills, Different Thinking and Innovation
- Risks and Costs for International Employers......
- Entrepreneurial Risks in Advance to Travel-Sabbatical Realizations..............
- Complications due to the Absence of the Sabbatical Beneficiary
- Business Reintegration Risks
- High Costs Related to Travel-Sabbaticals and Can Exceed Benefits…………………………………..
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This thesis explores the opportunities and challenges associated with implementing travel sabbaticals for international employers. The work aims to assess the potential benefits of such programs in terms of intercultural competence development, employee motivation, and the utilization of megatrends to foster higher commitment. It also examines the associated risks and costs, including entrepreneurial risks, complications related to employee absence, business reintegration difficulties, and financial considerations.
- Intercultural Competence Development
- Employee Motivation and Commitment
- Impact of Megatrends on International Companies
- Potential Risks and Costs of Travel Sabbaticals
- Economic Advantages and Disadvantages of Travel Sabbaticals
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The thesis begins by introducing the problem statement, which explores the impact of megatrends on international companies and the growing need for new motivation and commitment incentives for employees. Chapter 2 delves into the challenges faced by international companies in a multicultural world, highlighting the importance of cultural diversity in daily business operations and the role of international human resource management.
Chapter 3 focuses on sabbaticals as a potential solution to the challenges of motivating and engaging employees. It discusses the history and definition of sabbaticals, outlines various models and characteristics, and examines the current demand for such programs within international companies. Chapter 4 explores the potential benefits of travel sabbaticals, arguing that travel can enhance intercultural competence and broaden perspectives.
Chapter 5 delves into the chances and economic advantages of travel sabbaticals for international employers. It examines the development of intercultural competences, the increase in employee motivation, and the realization of megatrend potentials for higher commitment. The chapter also discusses the encouragement of soft skills, diverse thinking, and innovation through travel experiences.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The central keywords and focus topics of this thesis include intercultural competence, employee motivation and commitment, megatrends, international human resource management, travel sabbaticals, risks and costs, and economic advantages and disadvantages. These terms are crucial for understanding the core concepts and research focus of the study.
- Quote paper
- Marina Gentgen (Author), 2017, Critical Analysis of Travel-Sabbaticals for International Employers. Chances and Risks, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/458029
