A Theory of Global Human Resource Demand. Implications for Comparative Education, Research and Policy

Abstract

This article describes some international variables that are affecting developing countries. In doing so, a Theory of Global Human Resource Demand (TGHRD) is build. Then, this article introduces some implications for comparative education, research, and policy. The basis of the TGHRD is the globalization of production (GP) which is driven by MNCs. The need for both profit and competitive advantage propels MNCs to move offshore production processes. In doing so, they generate a human resource demand (HRD) in developing countries. This demand is related to production processes (i.e. assembly, manufacture, R&D), production systems (i.e. Fordism, Toyotism), and production life cycles (i.e. short product life-cycle, large product life-cycle). For countries and corporations, the TGHRD seems to have some implications for comparative education, research, and policy. For example, researchers, politicians, and managers may want to know what educational policies drive a former developing country from being a predominantly assembly plant nation to a mainly R&D center.