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Haiti Presentation

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This is a presentation describing the necessary planning factors for doing business in Haiti. HR managers, NGOs, military forces, aid workers and visitors will face unique challenges and situations in Haiti and similar impoverished countries. This presentation contains a country description, strategic assessment, external HR factors parent country & cultural gap analysis, recommendations and business conclusions. The goal here is to educate supervisors and employees with a strategic focus.
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HAITI GEMBA3 IMBA 6120 – Human Resource Management Group 10: Khuram Babar | Marie Ducheine | Bethany Miller Keitha Minchew | Dormel Strickland
Transcript
Page 1: Haiti Presentation

HAITIGEMBA3

IMBA 6120 – Human Resource Management

Group 10:

Khuram Babar | Marie Ducheine | Bethany Miller Keitha Minchew | Dormel Strickland

Presenter
Presentation Notes
“Hello everyone, and welcome to the Fall 2008 Quarterly Project Briefing! GEMBA SOLUTIONS, INC. is the leading global consulting firm in the western hemisphere. We pride ourselves on innovative solutions to business enterprises in the 21st century. As you know, globalization is the most important growth and earnings mechanism of companies today. In this time of economic uncertainty and political change, companies look to us to provide a comprehensive package of solutions, addressing all of their needs as they conduct international business. I’m proud of our success rate as proven by our outstanding satisfaction scores. I know that with each project we provide the knowledge companies need and the trust that we’ll provide the most comprehensive answers based on timely real world data. Our COO will fill you in on our Fall 2008 project focus. We again have the opportunity to impact international business operations by providing our clients the targeted data they need. Thank you for your hard work this year. You are the people that make global business possible!”
Page 2: Haiti Presentation

AGENDA• COUNTRY DESCRIPTION

• STRATEGIC ASSESSMENT

• EXTERNAL HR FACTORS

• PARENT COUNTRY & CULTURAL GAP ANALYSIS

• RECOMMENDED MATERIALS

• SUMMARY & CONCLUSION

Presenter
Presentation Notes
“Together with our top team of consultants, we have put together an advance package for your deployment operations in Haiti. As you seek global business solutions for our clients, you will have a number of opportunities and challenges during your assignment in Haiti. We want you to know that we are always here for your continuing support, so do not hesitate to call upon us when you have needs or questions. When you find constructive information, please let us know so that we can keep our project up to date.”
Page 3: Haiti Presentation

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION

• HISTORY

• CULTURE

• POLITICAL SYSTEM

• GOVERNMENT

Country Description | Strategic Assessment | External HR Factors |Cultural Gap Analysis | Recommended Materials | Summary & Conclusion

Presenter
Presentation Notes
Haiti is located in the West Indies and covers 1/3 of the island of Hispaniola (the remaining 2/3 is shared with the Dominican Republic.) Haiti is a small country, roughly the same size as the state of Maryland with varying terrain including mountains, valleys, plateaus and plains. The country possesses plentiful agricultural and natural resources. Haiti is the least developed country in the West with a population of over 8.5 million.
Page 4: Haiti Presentation

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION:THE COUNTRY

• Located in the West Indies

• Occupies 1/3 of Hispaniola (2/3 occupied by Dominican Republic

• The least developed country in the West

• Population: 8.5 Million

• The first Caribbean state to achieve independence

Country Description | Strategic Assessment | External HR Factors |Cultural Gap Analysis | Recommended Materials | Summary & Conclusion

Presenter
Presentation Notes
Some key facts regarding the economic environment include the following: * 6.2 million live below the poverty line; * 1 out of 8 children die before they reach the age of five; * Illiteracy is estimated to be 44%; * Formal unemployment rate is 70% nationally; * Nearly 7.2 million Haitians lack access to reliable energy; * Environmental degradation is pervasive; * Haiti ranks 154 of 177 countries in the UN's Human Development Index; * Life expectancy is 56 (women) and 52 (men) years old; * A UN Stability Mission is currently authorized at 7,200 troops and 1,951 civilian police[i]
Page 5: Haiti Presentation

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION:HISTORY

• 1492: Christopher Columbus lands and claims the island of Hispaniola for Spain. The Spanish build the New World's first settlement at La Navidad on Haiti's north coast.

• 1697: Spanish control over the colony ends with the Treaty of Ryswick, which divided the island into French-controlled St. Domingue and Spanish Santo Domingo.

• 1791-1803 A slave rebellion is launched by the Jamaican-born Boukman leading to a protracted 13-year war of liberation against St. Domingue's colonists and later, Napoleon's army which was also assisted by Spanish and British forces.

• 1804: The hemispere's second Republic is declared on January 1, 1804 by General Jean-Jacques Dessalines. Haiti, or Ayiti in Creole, is the name given to the land by the former Taino-Arawak peoples, meaning "mountainous country."

Country Description | Strategic Assessment | External HR Factors |Cultural Gap Analysis | Recommended Materials | Summary & Conclusion

Page 6: Haiti Presentation

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION:CULTURE

• A mixture of French, African and native Taino elements

• Religion: 95% Christian

• Music: Compas (similar to American Jazz)

• Food: influenced by French cuisine and African staples. Rice and beans is the de facto national dish

• Sports: soccer is most prevalent

Country Description | Strategic Assessment | External HR Factors |Cultural Gap Analysis | Recommended Materials | Summary & Conclusion

Page 7: Haiti Presentation

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION:POLITICAL SYSTEM

• Independence: January 1804

• A Presidential Republic, multi-party system

• President Rene Preval: head of state (elected by popular vote)

• Prime Minister Michelle Pierre-Louis: head of government (appointed by President)

• Current government put in place by Constitution of 1987

Country Description | Strategic Assessment | External HR Factors |Cultural Gap Analysis | Recommended Materials | Summary & Conclusion

Page 8: Haiti Presentation

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION:GOVERNMENT

• Executive Branch

– Chief of state: President Rene Preval

– Head of government: Prime Minister Michele Pierre-Louis

– Cabinet: Chosen by the prime minister in consultation with the president

– Elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; prime minister appointed by the president, ratified by the National Assembly

• Legislative Branch

– Bicameral National Assembly consists of the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies

• National Holiday

– Independence Day, 1 January (1804)

• Capital

– Port-au-Prince

Country Description | Strategic Assessment | External HR Factors |Cultural Gap Analysis | Recommended Materials | Summary & Conclusion

Page 9: Haiti Presentation

STRATEGIC ASSESSMENT

• HAITIAN EXPATS

• INVEST IN HAITI

• HAITI’S NEEDS

• US INVOLVEMENT

• FOREIGN INVESTMENT

Country Description | Strategic Assessment | External HR Factors |Cultural Gap Analysis | Recommended Materials | Summary & Conclusion

Presenter
Presentation Notes
It is typical to see expatriates from Haiti to the US, Canada, the Dominican Republic, the Bahamas, or elsewhere, as Haitians (especially those with skills or higher education) seek refuge from the oppression in their own country. Haitian expatriates are an extremely important sector to the Haitian economy. US Haitian expatriates' primary socio-economic relation with and contribution to Haiti is through remittances. Over 90% of Haitian expatriates, at one time or another, remit money back to Haiti, totaling close to $350 million per year. This amount is equivalent to about 15% of Haiti's gross national product[i]. This economic back-flow is critical in helping many people and families survive. However, there are opportunities for US and other nations to invest in, do business with, and send employees on assignment to Haiti. Overall, expatriate service is the wisest business investment when doing business in Haiti. Corporations will want their own oversight of operations within such a demanding region. Organized companies will want to ensure, first hand, their agency's security and management. Additionally, companies will want to ensure firsthand reports of problems as they arise, ready to deal with the Haitian government or local officials, and supervise labor and financial investments. It comes down to leadership. In Haiti, one can't rely on government leadership, so a successful business enterprise will bring their own. 
Page 10: Haiti Presentation

STRATEGIC ASSESSMENT:HAITIAN EXPATS

• US/Haitian relationship is primarily socio-economic

• 90% of expats remit money to relatives in Haiti –critical to many families’ survival

• Send $350M/year to Haiti (~15% of Haiti’s GDP)

• Haitian expats bring a wealth of skills and education, particularly in the arts, music, food and culture

Country Description | Strategic Assessment | External HR Factors |Cultural Gap Analysis | Recommended Materials | Summary & Conclusion

Page 11: Haiti Presentation

STRATEGIC ASSESSMENT:INVEST IN HAITI

• Utilities & infrastructure improvements needed

• Gov’t & NGO programs for education, healthcare, security, employment training

• Thriving art/music/religious culture

• Improving legal system

• Openness to trade agreements

• Extreme tourism potential

Country Description | Strategic Assessment | External HR Factors |Cultural Gap Analysis | Recommended Materials | Summary & Conclusion

Page 12: Haiti Presentation

STRATEGIC ASSESSMENT:HAITI’S NEEDS

• Leadership: – Unstable government = security fears and cycle of

impoverishment

• Infrastructure:– roads, power, telecommunication inadequate

• Agricultural development: most of island is deforested

• Foreign aid/investment: for healthcare, education, security, developing equitable government programs for employment

Country Description | Strategic Assessment | External HR Factors |Cultural Gap Analysis | Recommended Materials | Summary & Conclusion

Page 13: Haiti Presentation

STRATEGIC ASSESSMENT:US INVOLVEMENT

• Emergency response / disaster relief

• Healthcare (established hospitals, contributed inoculations, human resources, wellness education, water system improvements)

• Legal assistance (women’s and children’s issues, labor issues, America’s Development Foundation)

• Trade agreements (HOPE, textile trade agreements)

• Supporting democracy through economics, education, and security

Country Description | Strategic Assessment | External HR Factors |Cultural Gap Analysis | Recommended Materials | Summary & Conclusion

Page 14: Haiti Presentation

STRATEGIC ASSESSMENT:FOREIGN INVESTMENT

• Security (UN security forces)

• Trade agreements (CAFTA, CARICOM, others)

• Financial investment (IMF)

• Education and Ministry

• Business (particularly in machinery, services, factory labor)

Country Description | Strategic Assessment | External HR Factors |Cultural Gap Analysis | Recommended Materials | Summary & Conclusion

Page 15: Haiti Presentation

EXTERNAL HR FACTORS

• ECONOMIC FORCES

• LABOR MARKET

• LABOR UNIONS

• LEGAL SYSTEM

• COUNTRY CULTURE

• SPECIAL CONCERNS

Country Description | Strategic Assessment | External HR Factors |Cultural Gap Analysis | Recommended Materials | Summary & Conclusion

Presenter
Presentation Notes
As one of the least developed countries in the Western Hemisphere, Haiti ranks 146 out of 177 countries in the UN Human Development Index. Haiti's current economic state may be attributed to political instability, shortage of good land, environmental deterioration, under-capitalization and lack of public investment in human resources, migration of large portions of the skilled population, and the lack of a functioning legal system[i]. Sanctions were instigated by the United States and United Nations as a result of the coup in 1991, which led to a sharp economic decline, with an embargo on all goods entering Haiti except humanitarian supplies, such as food and medicine. Since the embargos during the mid 1990’s, private domestic and foreign investments have gradually returned to Haiti. While there has been a concentrated effort to re-instill growth to Haiti, investor concerns over security, lack of access to credit, and legal and physical infrastructure constraints have been a deterrent. �In 2002, it was estimated more than two-thirds of the work force did not have formal jobs. Historically, Haiti has a shortage of skilled labor, and an abundance of unskilled labor working in agriculture, services, and industrial markets with the following percentage allocation 66%, 25%, and 9%, respectively. Workers in Haiti have the right of association, as it is protected by the labor laws. Currently the labor laws, under unions, stipulate a legal minimum wage of 70 gourdes a day (about U.S. $1.70), which applies to most workers in the formal sector. The minimum working age is 15 years old Haiti has a failing legal system—a reflection of its colonial origins. Although Haiti was founded by former slaves, it lacked the structure of a modern legal system. The Haitian court system is corrupted as political and financial pressures influence poorly trained individuals within the court system. The entire legal system suffers from a lack of administrative and financial capabilities. As a country, Haiti has a clear distinction in the role of men and women in their country. Men monopolize the job market; they are doctors, teachers, and politicians. More recently, women have made strides by entering into the elite professions, particularly medicine. Women are considered to be primarily responsible for domestic activities such as cooking, housecleaning and washing clothes by hand, with few wage-earning opportunities open to women (nursing and teaching)
Page 16: Haiti Presentation

EXTERNAL HR FACTORS:ECONOMIC FORCES

• Current Economic State is attributed to:– Political instability,

– Shortage of good land,

– Environmental deterioration,

– Lack of a functioning legal system,

– Migration of the skilled population,

– Lack of public investment in human resources.

Country Description | Strategic Assessment | External HR Factors |Cultural Gap Analysis | Recommended Materials | Summary & Conclusion

Page 17: Haiti Presentation

EXTERNAL HR FACTORS:LABOR MARKET

• 2/3rds of the work-force does not have a formal job.

• The unskilled labor force works in the following sectors:– Agriculture 66%

– Services 25%

– Industrial Markets 9%

Country Description | Strategic Assessment | External HR Factors |Cultural Gap Analysis | Recommended Materials | Summary & Conclusion

Page 18: Haiti Presentation

EXTERNAL HR FACTORS:LABOR UNIONS

• Workers do have the right of association.

• Unions are on in the formal sector.

• The labor laws under the union stipulate:– Minimum wage of 70 Gourdes ($1.70 U.S.)

– Minimum working age of 15.

Country Description | Strategic Assessment | External HR Factors |Cultural Gap Analysis | Recommended Materials | Summary & Conclusion

Page 19: Haiti Presentation

EXTERNAL HR FACTORS:LEGAL SYSTEM

• Legal framework is based on the French and Roman legal systems.

• The system is corrupted as political and financial pressures influence poorly trained individuals within the legal system.

• Additionally, the legal system suffers due to several iterations of the country’s constitution.

Country Description | Strategic Assessment | External HR Factors |Cultural Gap Analysis | Recommended Materials | Summary & Conclusion

Page 20: Haiti Presentation

EXTERNAL HR FACTORS:COUNTRY CULTURE

• Distinction between men and women.

• Men monopolize the job market.

• Women are considered to be domestic providers.

• However, the women controls the husband’s earnings.

Country Description | Strategic Assessment | External HR Factors |Cultural Gap Analysis | Recommended Materials | Summary & Conclusion

Page 21: Haiti Presentation

EXTERNAL HR FACTORS:SPECIAL CONCERNS

• The new constitution states that “the government makes the constitution, the laws, the regulations and agreements.”

• The population is reluctant to serve as a juror due to intimidation.

Country Description | Strategic Assessment | External HR Factors |Cultural Gap Analysis | Recommended Materials | Summary & Conclusion

Page 22: Haiti Presentation

PARENT COUNTRY AND CULTURAL GAP ANALYSIS

• US/HAITIAN DIFFERENCES

• IDEAL EMPLOYEE TRAITS

• TRAINING/KNOWLEDGE

SHARING

Country Description | Strategic Assessment | External HR Factors |Cultural Gap Analysis | Recommended Materials | Summary & Conclusion

Presenter
Presentation Notes
One of the most shocking cultural differences for an American in Haiti is the demographic makeup being predominately made up of African descendants. “In 2000, the estimated population of Haiti was 8 million….95% black and 5% mulatto[i]. As one Haitian described it, America is “a white-dominated country, while we are a black-dominated country. They gained their independence from a revolt of slave owners, while we gained ours by a revolt of slaves” �[i] “An Introduction to Haitain Culture for Rehabilitation Service Providers” by Erik Jacobson 2003 “Haiti has undergone profound change that has affected all aspects of national life, particularly in the political, economic, social, and environmental spheres.[i]” There was considerable political instability which has been strengthened; however, “they fall short of meeting the legitimate aspirations of the Haitian people for a better life[ii]. And amongst all countries in the Western hemisphere, Haiti is the poorest country. �[i] “Haiti: Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper” by International Monetary Fund March 2008 [ii] “Haiti: Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper” by International Monetary Fund March 2008 Haitians and Americans differ greatly when examining the idea of self versus others. The American culture is very self focused: “What is best for me?”, “How can I get ahead?”, “What is in it for me?” These are the thoughts that an American considers on a daily basis. However the Haitians are focused on the idea of others instead of the self. One notable aspect of the Haitian economy is the role that group work plays. Communities engage in what is called a konbit, where work and resources are shared. This is often called working "men-nan men", or working hand in hand. For example, on one day the whole community will help a single farmer harvest his crops. The next day, the same group may help a different farmer build a new farmhouse[i]. �[i] “An Introduction to Haitain Culture for Rehabilitation Service Providers” by Erik Jacobson 2003Someone working in Haiti must be extremely sensitive to the cultural differences. One aspect than an American may not even consider to be sensitive is a co-worker that has a child with disabilities. Almost 10% of the Haitian population has a disability. In America, children with disabilities are taught not to be ashamed of any handicap but in Haiti it is extremely private. There is much “shame and social stigma that are often attached to those individuals in the Haitian community who have disabilities. These attitudes prevent Haitian families from seeking support and social inclusion of their sons and daughters in community activities and programs.”[i] �[i] “An Introduction to Haitain Culture for Rehabilitation Service Providers” by Erik Jacobson 2003
Page 23: Haiti Presentation

CULTURAL GAP ANALYSIS:DIFFERENCES US/HAITI

• Haitian culture is distinct and less familiar to Americans than other cultural groups

• Haiti’s population is 95% made up of African descendants

• The estimated population is 8 million

• Haitians are very concerned with the treatment of Haitian refugees in America– Policy of returning Haitians but not Cubans

Country Description | Strategic Assessment | External HR Factors |Cultural Gap Analysis | Recommended Materials | Summary & Conclusion

Page 24: Haiti Presentation

CULTURAL GAP ANALYSIS:DIFFERENCES US/HAITI

• Government:– The Haitian government has undergone profound change

over 20 years that has affected the policies, economics, and social standing

– The Haitian government is plagued with corruption– It is typical and expected to give bribes to Haitian

government officials for business dealings• Haiti is ranked 154 out of 181 economies for difficulty in doing

business• It is difficult to do business in terms of maneuvering through the

policies and procedures

Country Description | Strategic Assessment | External HR Factors |Cultural Gap Analysis | Recommended Materials | Summary & Conclusion

Page 25: Haiti Presentation

CULTURAL GAP ANALYSIS:DIFFERENCES US/HAITI

• Economic Standing:– Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphere– Haiti is targeted by U.S. businesses because it has the

lowest wages in the western hemisphere– Poverty is rampant throughout the country

• More than 50% of the country is below $1/day wage

• Social Conditions:– The quality of life is substandard

• There is unequal access to resources, infrastructure, social capital, health care and education

• The basic Haitian does not have basic needs met• It is ranked 146 out of 177 countries on the human development

scale

Country Description | Strategic Assessment | External HR Factors |Cultural Gap Analysis | Recommended Materials | Summary & Conclusion

Page 26: Haiti Presentation

CULTURAL GAP ANALYSIS:DIFFERENCES US/HAITI

• Idea of Self vs. Others:– The American culture is very self focused

– The Haitian culture is focused on the community• “Men-nan Men” is “Hand in Hand” where communities work

together and resources are shared

Country Description | Strategic Assessment | External HR Factors |Cultural Gap Analysis | Recommended Materials | Summary & Conclusion

Page 27: Haiti Presentation

CULTURAL GAP ANALYSIS:DIFFERENCES US/HAITI

• Family Structure:– Less than 40% of Haitians are married

• Marriage is expected among middle class and elite

• A larger percentage are in committed relationships that are recognized by the community

– The male is the wage earner

– The women are caregivers• There are very few opportunities for women in the workforce

Country Description | Strategic Assessment | External HR Factors |Cultural Gap Analysis | Recommended Materials | Summary & Conclusion

Page 28: Haiti Presentation

CULTURAL GAP ANALYSIS:DIFFERENCES US/HAITI

• Social Etiquette:– Greeting someone has significant meaning

• It would be rude to not exchange pleasantries

– Religion is not a taboo subject• It is expected to be discussed in the workforce

• The official religion is Catholicism

– Social disabilities are shameful and there is a social stigma associated• Almost 10% of the population has disabilities

– Haitian women do not smoke or drink• Men are not excessive in alcohol consumption

Country Description | Strategic Assessment | External HR Factors |Cultural Gap Analysis | Recommended Materials | Summary & Conclusion

Page 29: Haiti Presentation

CULTURAL GAP ANALYSIS:IDEAL EMPLOYEE TRAITS

• Recognition of tremendous cultural differences– Education, Socialization, Economic

• Acknowledgement of the differences of Haitians from other Caribbean people and distinct from African Americans– Show empathy for the Haitian experience– Not all creoles are alike: Haitian Creole vs. Portuguese

Creole

Country Description | Strategic Assessment | External HR Factors |Cultural Gap Analysis | Recommended Materials | Summary & Conclusion

Page 30: Haiti Presentation

CULTURAL GAP ANALYSIS:TRAINING

• There are several areas that should be a focus for training– Haitian government policies and procedures for doing

business

– Sensitivity training

– Cultural emersion training

– Security training

– Language: French and/or Creole

Country Description | Strategic Assessment | External HR Factors |Cultural Gap Analysis | Recommended Materials | Summary & Conclusion

Page 31: Haiti Presentation

RECOMMENDED TRAVEL MATERIALS

• PRE-DEPARTURE

• TRAVEL

• SECURITY

• BASIC INFORMATION

• ACTIVITIES

• STAFF DEVELOPMENT

Country Description | Strategic Assessment | External HR Factors |Cultural Gap Analysis | Recommended Materials | Summary & Conclusion

Presenter
Presentation Notes
According to the authors of International Human Resource Management, “…once an employee has been selected for an expatriate position, pre-departure training is considered to be the next critical step in attempting to ensure the expatriate’s effectiveness and success abroad, particularly where the destination country is considered culturally tough.”[i] Haiti poses many challenges and opportunities in this current economic downturn in history. Studies show the elements necessary in order to have “smooth transitions to a foreign location include: cultural awareness training, preliminary visits, language instruction, and assistance with practical, day-to-day matters.”[1] As previously noted on the topic of culture, the American and Haitian cultures are vastly different so great care must be taken to ensure knowledge, behavior and customs are well incorporated prior to departure for successful assignment outcomes. R. Tung developed a model for cultural training which was based on two factors; “degree of interaction required in the host culture and the similarity between the individual’s native culture and the new culture.”[ii] Tung further inferred in her argument that if the interaction between the American expatriate and the Haitian population was low and the difference in the cultures was low, then the primary focus of training should be on the work related tasks instead of culture related tasks. �
Page 32: Haiti Presentation

RECOMMENDED MATERIALS :PRE-DEPARTURE

• Cultural Awareness Training– degree of interaction required in the host culture and the

similarity between the individual’s native culture and the new culture• Package A – Information Sharing (less than a week)

– Expatriate and the host country which has similar cultures

– Low interaction and length of stay in the host country is short-lived

» Type of training offered: area briefings, cultural briefings, films, videos, books, use of interpreters and survival level language training

Country Description | Strategic Assessment | External HR Factors |Cultural Gap Analysis | Recommended Materials | Summary & Conclusion

Page 33: Haiti Presentation

RECOMMENDED MATERIALS :PRE-DEPARTURE

• Cultural Awareness Training cont’d• Package B – Affective Approach (1 – 4 weeks)

– Expatriate and the host country which has different cultures

– Moderate level of interaction and the length of stay in the host country is anticipated to be between two to twelve months.

» Type of training offered: culture assimilators, role-playing, critical incidents, cases, stress reduction training and moderate language training

• Package C – Immersion Approach (approx 2 months )– Expatriate and the host country which has vastly different cultures

– High interaction and the anticipated length of stay is one to three years

» Type of training offered: assessment center, field experiments, simulations, sensitivity training and extensive language training.

Country Description | Strategic Assessment | External HR Factors |Cultural Gap Analysis | Recommended Materials | Summary & Conclusion

Page 34: Haiti Presentation

RECOMMENDED MATERIALS :PRE-DEPARTURE

• Preliminary Visits– Aids in determining if the assignment is appropriate for

the expatriate and their families.

– Factors which will aid in the adjustment and final decision of accepting the assignment will be:• Gaining the proper legal documents for exiting/re-entry into the

United States

• A tour of Haiti

• Overview of housing

• Overview of the education system

• Spousal Employment

• Transportation.

Country Description | Strategic Assessment | External HR Factors |Cultural Gap Analysis | Recommended Materials | Summary & Conclusion

Page 35: Haiti Presentation

RECOMMENDED MATERIALS :PRE-DEPARTURE

• Preliminary Visits cont’d– Prior to the preliminary visit

• Apply for visa

• Apply for work permit

• Driver’s license (if stay longer than 90 days)

• Employment contract

• Open bank account

• Language Instruction– Further host country language training

– Language of the corporation

Country Description | Strategic Assessment | External HR Factors |Cultural Gap Analysis | Recommended Materials | Summary & Conclusion

Page 36: Haiti Presentation

RECOMMENDED MATERIALS :PRE-DEPARTURE

• Assistance with practical, day-to-day matters

• Relocation assistance– Hire relocation services professional

• Housing assistance

• Education assistance

Country Description | Strategic Assessment | External HR Factors |Cultural Gap Analysis | Recommended Materials | Summary & Conclusion

Page 37: Haiti Presentation

RECOMMENDED MATERIALS :TRAVEL

• Haiti Tour– Port-au-Prince/Cap-Haïtien and the North coast/Jacmel

and the South coast

• Carnival– Every year on the Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday before

Ash Wednesday

• Music– Compas bands : Tabou Combo, T-Vice, and Carimi

• Cuisine– Rice and beans - de facto national dish

Country Description | Strategic Assessment | External HR Factors |Cultural Gap Analysis | Recommended Materials | Summary & Conclusion

Page 38: Haiti Presentation

RECOMMENDED MATERIALS :SECURITY

• High crime and civil unrest

• Travelers are advised to hire a reliable guide

• Hire a driver when touring in Haiti

• Do not wander in the streets at night in Port-au-Prince

Country Description | Strategic Assessment | External HR Factors |Cultural Gap Analysis | Recommended Materials | Summary & Conclusion

Page 39: Haiti Presentation

RECOMMENDED MATERIALS :BASIC INFORMATION

• Personalized guide book of important addresses and phone numbers should be provided to the expatriate. The entries will include:– U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince,

– Hospitals; Hôpital de l'Université d'État in Port-au-Prince.

– Emergency phone numbers for the police, ambulance and fire department.

– Recommended book “U.S. Expatriate Handbook”

Country Description | Strategic Assessment | External HR Factors |Cultural Gap Analysis | Recommended Materials | Summary & Conclusion

Page 40: Haiti Presentation

RECOMMENDED MATERIALS :BASIC INFORMATION

• Personalized guide book contains:– Major hotels; Hotel Montana in Port-au-Prince,

Hotel Cyvadier in Jacmel and Cormier Plage in Cap-Haitien.

– Lost stolen credit cards • Mastercard

• Visa

• American Express

• Dinner’s Club

– Major banks /Currency Exchange

Country Description | Strategic Assessment | External HR Factors |Cultural Gap Analysis | Recommended Materials | Summary & Conclusion

Page 41: Haiti Presentation

RECOMMENDED MATERIALS :ACTIVITIES

• Personalized guide book contains:– Water sports

• Kyona and Ibo beaches (Ibo is on Cacique Isle) are best for swimming, snorkeling, spear fishing, sailing, boomba racing in dugout canoes and water-skiing.

• La Gonâve is a popular location for fishing

– Spectator sports• Football is the favorite national sport

• Basketball

Country Description | Strategic Assessment | External HR Factors |Cultural Gap Analysis | Recommended Materials | Summary & Conclusion

Page 42: Haiti Presentation

RECOMMENDED MATERIALS :ACTIVITIES

• Personalized guide book contains:– Other

• 9-hole golf course - Pétionville Club.

• Tennis courts - Club Med in Montraus, El Rancho, Habitation Le Clerc, Ibo Beach, Ibo Lake, Kaloa Beach, Pétionville Club and Royal Haitian hotels.

• National parks of La Visite and Parc Macaya offer excellent hiking opportunities. “

– Restaurants

– Malls & Museums

Country Description | Strategic Assessment | External HR Factors |Cultural Gap Analysis | Recommended Materials | Summary & Conclusion

Page 43: Haiti Presentation

RECOMMENDED MATERIALS :STAFF DEVELOPMENT

• Expatriates are used for training because of a lack of suitably trained staff in the host location

• The ability to transfer knowledge skills in a culturally sensitive manner perhaps should be an integral part of the pre-departure training programs – particularly if training is part of the expatriate’s role in the

host country.

• Training should also be provided for employees – Short-term assignments

– Non-standard assignments/commuting

– International business travelers

Country Description | Strategic Assessment | External HR Factors |Cultural Gap Analysis | Recommended Materials | Summary & Conclusion

Page 44: Haiti Presentation

SUMMARY & CONCLUSION

• SUMMARY

• CONCLUSION

Country Description | Strategic Assessment | External HR Factors |Cultural Gap Analysis | Recommended Materials | Summary & Conclusion

Presenter
Presentation Notes
Each mission this team has undertaken is carefully evaluated on by the following systematic methods. An analysis of the history, culture and government are first investigated. Here we found that Haiti is a country rich in history and culture. It has experienced some fragmentation over the years in terms of government stability. Next, a strategic assessment is performed to understand the underlying issues in Haiti. As we found, Haiti’s the most educated of its citizens seek refuge abroad in neighboring islands or North America to further support family and friends left on the island. Several external and internal factors force its citizens into a life of poverty; poor infrastructure, lack of security and terrible acts of nature name a few. Despite these issues, expatriate service business oriented in the oil, textile or manufacturing industries are established in Haiti taking full advantage of the human capital since unemployment is high and wages are low. Subsequently, a gap analysis is performed which assesses the demographics, economy and social conditions among other aspects. Surprisingly, an American expatriate on assignment to Haiti will notice the vast differences in the environment versus their native country. Furthermore, a wise expatriate will take heed and attend the necessary training needed for this assignment abroad due to the differences in culture. Extensive language training and simulations will certainly prepare an expatriate for a preliminary visit to the island. If a spouse and child are accompanying the expatriate, spousal employment, housing and education are matters that should be considered for a successful assignment. Opportunities for entertainment are available in Haiti. The amenities in the tourist areas are spectacular with beautiful beaches and water sports year round. Lastly, staff development is nurtured through knowledge sharing and debriefing from a former expatriate. This form of mentoring is a valuable experience especially for a new assignment in Haiti. An assignment Haiti is certainly not without its complexities, however it should not deter and adventure seeker to explore a country full of economic potential.
Page 45: Haiti Presentation

SUMMARY & CONCLUSION:SUMMARY

• History & Culture – High poverty, low employment and poor infrastructure

• Strategic assessment– Unstable government. Manufacturing, textile and oil industries

present

• Gap Analysis– Vast differences in the environment versus their native country

• Pre-Departure Training– If spouse and child are accompanying, then spousal employment,

housing and education are matters that should be considered for a successful assignment

Country Description | Strategic Assessment | External HR Factors |Cultural Gap Analysis | Recommended Materials | Summary & Conclusion

Page 46: Haiti Presentation

SUMMARY & CONCLUSION:CONCLUSION

• Government stability is paramount

• Resources for self-sustainment are needed in Haiti – Farming

– Education

– Medical

• Business investments benefit from human capital – Increase wages & employment necessary

• Pre-Departure training is important – Length of stay > 1 month - 1yr & wide difference in culture

– Potential increases for successful performance

Country Description | Strategic Assessment | External HR Factors |Cultural Gap Analysis | Recommended Materials | Summary & Conclusion

Page 47: Haiti Presentation

SUMMARY & CONCLUSION:KEY TAKE-A-WAYS

• Haitian culture is community focused vs US culture is self-focused

• Potential for economic development

• External assistance and diasporas remittances are essential to keep the economy afloat

• Language training is important in the ability to self-sufficient

• Staff Development – Maintained by former expatriates turned instructors

– Serves as a pool of resources for international assignments

– Fosters innovation & organizational knowledge

Country Description | Strategic Assessment | External HR Factors |Cultural Gap Analysis | Recommended Materials | Summary & Conclusion

Presenter
Presentation Notes
“OK team, you can see we have a lot of responsibility on this project. Companies will use our plan as a blueprint for sending employees and staff to all areas of the Caribbean, and our Haiti report will be their working model. Indeed, many areas of the world face the same challenges we see in Haiti’s business environment. Issues here go far beyond economic stability, local legislation and family preparedness. Indeed, the challenges are many. But with the correct research, with intense preparation, with realistic expectations, companies big and small can find success in their expatriates’ international experience. I thank you for your hard work that’s provided us with the proper tools for success.”

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