Globalization Capabilities and Perceived Career Opportunities from Globalization in Latin America

Abstract

In emerging markets such as those in Latin America, rapid economic growth has created a situation where qualified labor is often in short supply. As competition for human capital intensifies, understanding how employees perceive their fit in a company is important for companies to maintain key employees. Moreover, rapid globalization of Latin American economies implies that different employee skillsets and mindsets may be needed. This further implies that some employees will be more prepared to work in international companies and will perceive better career prospects from such changes than others. We suggest that employee perceptions of globalization-related career opportunities represent a perceived fit between individual and company capabilities and values. We examine this fit within a sample of 921 respondents within the Latin American countries of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela. Our findings suggest that company integration-responsiveness capabilities, company internationalization, proactiveness on international markets, company success, and cultural sensitivity all relate to perceptions of globalization-related career opportunities and benefits in Latin America, although not always in the expected direction.