For Cisco Switches in China: The Year of the Manager

1a. Using Hofstede's taxonomy (M: Chapter 14, DFE: Chapter 2) discuss and describe the Chinese culture from individualistic, power distance, and short-term-long-term perspectives. Give examples related to each dimension from the Cisco case. 1b. Using Table 2.1 (DFE), assess the upstart HRM functions for the R&D Cisco Center in Shanghai. For each of the below, discuss each based upon individualism and power distance appropriateness for the described culture in the case. Recruitment and selection Choose a submission type Training and development Compensation Task Distribution 2a. Describe the approach to staffing taken by Cisco in this case (M: Chapters 7-8, DFE: Chapter 5). Is it ethnocentric, polycentric, or geocentric? Defend fully and given examples to support your answer. 2b. Describe fully what changes you would make in the staffing protocol (practices, procedures, assumptions) for both managers and staff. Be specific and back your answer by best practices and research literature. 3a. Using Figure 7.2 (DFE: Chapter 7), describe the extent to which the Cisco R&D team startup (Jan, Ivo, Jerry, etc.) makes sense and is viable. What would you have done differently, and why? Include whatever effectiveness criteria you feel would be appropriate. Support your answer through best practices or research literature. 3b. Design (outline with narrative) a leadership and management development program appropriate for the Cisco R&D startup for the first three years. This should be appropriate for indigenous employees as well as expatriates recruited internationally to join the R&D Center. Include how you plan to ensure that the program will be sensitive to developing women leaders in the Chinese cultural context. Support your answer through best practices or research literature. 4a. Design (outline with narrative) a performance evaluation system that would replace the Cisco ranking system. How would it operate and what would be the performance criteria to be used? Support your answer with best practices or research literature. 4b. Describe (can use a graph or illustration along with narrative) how your recommended staffing, team building, expatriate training, and performance evaluation system would work synergistically. How would it overall build an effective workforce and talent for Cisco, and how would it maximize knowledge transfer long term?