THE IMPACT OF A COMMON LANGUAGE ON THE IT-BASED INTEGRATION OF HRM ON MNC SUBSIDIARIES:
A COMPARATIVE CASE STUDY
Jukka-Pekka Heikkilä, Department of Management, University of Vaasa, Finland
Adam Smale, Department of Management, University of Vaasa, Finland

Abstract
This article examines the impact of common corporate language on globally integrated e-HRM systems.  Accordingly, the study’s aims were (i) to identify the key challenges the use of common corporate language in e-HRM systems presents for foreign subsidiary´s HR staff and (ii) how HR – function responded to these challenges. A comparative, in-depth case study approach was used and followed the integration of a global e-HRM system in two large European-owned MNCs. Qualitative data was collected via semi-structured interviews with key subsidiary HR personnel and was complemented with company documentation. The findings indicate that the key challenges among subsidiary personnel were increased workload, new working roles and ineffective HR – process outcomes. In addition, the HR – function´s response was, for example, to neglect the use of new system and include English language skills into all recruitment and selection criteria for new employees.
Keywords: e-HRM, multinational corporation, corporate language