Jenkins Goes Abroad Case

Jenkins Consulting is a national firm based in Boston, MA, that helps companies
improve their performance and effectiveness by advising on all aspects of business
management and operations. Companies hire consultants from Jenkins Consulting for
various projects, such as assisting with company-wide cost reduction initiatives,
revenue growth initiatives, improving supply-chain management, and/or improving
individual departments such as information technology. Jenkins employs consultants in
25 offices across the United States.
A company located in Delhi, India has asked Jenkins to take on a significant project that
will be based in Delhi but will require semi-annual trips of about 2 weeks to Mumbai.
Jenkins will assist the company with an organization-wide effort to restructure and
reposition the company to succeed in a market that is becoming highly competitive. To
undertake this project, Jenkins will open an office in Delhi and assign five full-time
management consultants for a term of two years. Jenkins has decided to relocate the
consultants selected initially to Delhi for the project’s duration. Because Jenkins sees
this assignment as an opportunity to expand its operations internationally, Jenkins will
also hire a local national as an Office Manager to answer the phone, prepare
documents, file related paperwork, and be a source of local knowledge to the
consultants.
Dale Kugar, the human resource director at Jenkins, must identify the consultants for
this project and prepare them to transition to this new assignment within the next 60
days. This is the company’s first exposure to expatriate management. Hence, Kugar
intends to select the first wave of consultants from the Boston office to have better
control over Jenkins’ first overseas venture. However, he is concerned about the
consultants’ interest in taking on the international assignment. Some of the consultants
with whom he has had initial conversations are concerned about the impact the
assignment might have on their families and their careers. As one consultant put it, “Out
of sight; out of mind!”
In addition to selecting the right persons for the expatriate positions, Kugar wants to
ensure that the consultants who accept the assignment are compensated appropriately.
The compensation package needs to ensure that the expatriates are not concerned
about financial matters during their assignment but also minimize costs to Jenkins. He
initially thought to maintain their current benefits, including health care insurance, 401(k)
retirement plan, vacation, and related benefits, but to alter the compensation. The two
issues he needs clarification on are how to develop a compensation package that
considers other aspects of pay and ensuring that the consultants are not disadvantaged
professionally by taking the assignment in Delhi. All the potential expatriates Kugar has
talked to thus far are not married, which would likely make the assignment less costly to
the company and less stressful for the consultants selected. However, it is possible that,
in the end, he will have to consider married consultants, as well, to achieve the number
needed for the assignment.
Questions:

  1. As the HR director for Jenkins, what factors should Kugar consider in his
    selection of consultants for the assignment? What external influences and
    data should Kugar consider when preparing for these expat assignments?
  2. What are the various compensation approaches that Kugar can consider for
    this first wave of Jenkins expatriates?
  3. Of the various compensation approaches available to Kugar, which approach
    should he recommend regarding how to compensate these expatriates? What
    factors influenced your decision?
  4. Should Kugar provide any additional compensation or benefits to the
    expatriates as part of their total compensation package? If yes, what should
    he provide? What factors will influence his decision?
  5. What can Kugar do to ensure that these expatriates are not hurt career-wise
    by participating in this 2-year expat assignment?
  6. What factors must Kugar consider in developing a pay package for the Office
    Manager’s position in Delhi? Propose a detailed salary and benefits package
    for this position. Explain the rationale for your proposed compensation
    package.

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This is a classic expatriate management scenario, and Dale Kugar has several critical issues to address. Let’s break down each question:

1. Factors for Consultant Selection and External Influences:

  • Selection Factors:
    • Technical Skills: Consultants must possess the expertise needed for the restructuring and repositioning project.
    • Adaptability and Cultural Sensitivity: Essential for navigating a new culture and work environment.
    • Communication Skills: Clear and effective communication is crucial for working with the Indian client and local staff.
    • Flexibility and Resilience: The ability to handle ambiguity and change is vital for a successful overseas assignment.
    • Motivation and Enthusiasm: Consultants should be genuinely interested in the opportunity and committed to its success.
    • Past Performance: Review consultants’ track records and performance evaluations.
    • Interpersonal Skills: The ability to work well in teams, and with people from other cultures.
    • Language Skills: Although English is widely spoken in Indian business, any additional language skills could be an advantage.
  • External Influences and Data:
    • Cost of Living in Delhi and Mumbai: Research living expenses, including housing, transportation, food, and entertainment.
    • Tax Laws in India and the U.S.: Understand the tax implications for both Jenkins and the consultants.

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    • Immigration and Visa Requirements: Ensure consultants have the necessary visas and work permits.
    • Cultural Norms and Business Practices in India: Provide consultants with cultural training to prepare them for the new environment.
    • Safety and Security: Assess the safety and security situation in Delhi and Mumbai.
    • Healthcare System in India: Understand the quality and accessibility of healthcare services.
    • Competitive Compensation Data: Research compensation packages offered by other consulting firms for similar assignments in India.
    • Repatriation Planning: Begin to plan for the consultant’s return to the US, well before the end of the assignment.

2. Compensation Approaches:

  • Home-Based Approach (Balance Sheet Approach): Maintains the consultant’s home-country salary and benefits, with adjustments for cost of living, taxes, and other expenses.
  • Host-Based Approach: Pays the consultant according to the salary structure in India, which may be significantly different from U.S. salaries.
  • Negotiated Approach: Allows for individual negotiations between Jenkins and each consultant, considering their experience, skills, and the specific requirements of the assignment.
  • Global Market Approach: Sets pay according to prevailing rates for comparable positions in the global market.

3. Recommended Compensation Approach:

  • Home-Based Approach (Balance Sheet Approach):
    • This is generally the most common and equitable approach for expatriate assignments.
    • It ensures that consultants maintain their standard of living and are not financially disadvantaged.
    • It is easier to explain and administer than other approaches.
    • It should be modified to include incentives for undertaking the international assignment.
    • Factors Influencing the Decision:
      • Jenkins’ goal of minimizing costs while ensuring consultants are not concerned about financial matters.
      • The need to attract and retain qualified consultants.
      • The importance of maintaining equity and fairness.
      • The fact that it is the first time Jenkins is doing this type of project.

4. Additional Compensation and Benefits:

  • Cost-of-Living Allowance (COLA): To offset the difference in living expenses between Boston and Delhi/Mumbai.
  • Housing Allowance: To cover the cost of suitable accommodation in Delhi.
  • Relocation Allowance: To cover the costs of moving to India, including airfare, shipping, and temporary accommodation.
  • Education Allowance (if applicable): If married consultants with children are sent, this will cover the cost of international schooling.
  • Hardship Allowance (if applicable): If Delhi or Mumbai is considered a hardship location.
  • Repatriation Allowance: To cover the costs of returning to the U.S.
  • Tax Equalization: To ensure consultants are not paying more in taxes than they would in the U.S.
  • Medical Evacuation Insurance: To cover the costs of emergency medical treatment and evacuation.
  • Cultural Training: To help consultants adapt to the Indian culture.
  • R&R Trips: Provide trips home, or to a neutral location, to help with the long assignment.
  • Factors Influencing the Decision:
    • The need to attract and retain qualified consultants.
    • The cost of living in Delhi and Mumbai.
    • The safety and security situation.
    • The desire to minimize stress on the employees.

5. Career Protection:

  • Repatriation Planning: Develop a clear plan for the consultants’ return to the U.S., including potential job opportunities.
  • Mentorship Program: Assign mentors in the Boston office to stay in touch with the consultants and provide career guidance.
  • Performance Reviews: Ensure that consultants receive regular performance reviews and that their contributions are recognized.
  • Networking Opportunities: Facilitate networking opportunities for consultants with colleagues in the Boston office and other locations.
  • Skill Development: Provide opportunities for consultants to develop new skills and expertise during their assignment.
  • Guaranteed position upon return: Provide a written guarantee that a position at the same level, or higher, will be available upon the consultants return.

6. Office Manager Compensation:

  • Factors to Consider:
    • Local market rates for similar positions in Delhi.
    • The cost of living in Delhi.
    • The candidate’s experience and qualifications.
    • Local labor laws and regulations.
  • Proposed Compensation Package:
    • Salary: Determine a competitive salary based on local market rates.
    • Benefits:
      • Health insurance.
      • Paid time off (vacation, sick leave, holidays).
      • Provident fund (retirement savings).
      • Gratuity (lump-sum payment upon retirement or resignation).
      • Transportation allowance.
      • Phone allowance.
    • Rationale:
      • The salary should be competitive to attract and retain a qualified candidate.
      • The benefits package should be comparable to those offered by other companies in Delhi.
      • Compliance with local labor laws is essential.
      • The office manager will be a vital resource for the expatriates, so a solid compensation package is required.

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