Human Resource Development for International Operation.

A 1990 questionnaire and interview survey identified requirements for programs and courses relating to human resource development for international operation. The survey was designed to seek the views of United Kingdom (UK) and European and international companies, professional associations, and accounting firms. Of 540 organizations, 91 returned usable surveys. Organizations reported that "creating a more flexible and responsive organization" was the key human resource issue. Non-UK organizations ranked "Europeanization" and "internationalization" significantly more highly. The most important quality sought in members of a senior management team was "strategic awareness." Organizations cited marketing, business policy, and corporate planning as the subject areas in which a European element should be most significant. Education and development at the executive program level for senior management and directors ranked highest in importance. The most relevant modes of study were "tailored company-specific programs" with a "project component" and "in-company delivery." Human resources and marketing were the two most important "core subjects" of a Master's in Business Administration (MBA) program. In two-thirds of the cases, the employer took the initiative regarding participation in MBA programs. European and/or international awareness and perspective were developed through experience rather than through formal training. (The instrument is appended.) (YLB)