Identify forces beyond management control that affect the quantity and quality of labor in a nation.

Labor quality and labor quantity are forces beyond a company's control. A finite number of employees are available in any labor pool with the skills required to meet an employer's needs. Populations are aging and are projected to decline in many developed countries in coming years. Labor is shifting significantly from rural to urban locations, especially in developing nations. Unemployment remains a problem in many regions and particularly among youths between the ages of 15 and 24. Large numbers of immigrant laborers, often unskilled, are moving within and particularly between nations. Although progress is being made, an estimated one in seven children between the ages of 5 and 17 is a laborer and most of these child laborers are in the developing countries.

Explain the reasons people leave their home countries to work abroad.

In many parts of the world, wars, revolutions, racial and ethnic battles, and political repression cause people to flee. Others go to other countries in hopes of better jobs and pay.

Discuss the reasons that some countries have guest workers.

Guest workers move to a host country to perform specific types of jobs, usually in service, factory, or construction work. But when a country's economy slows, its native workers may want the jobs held by guest workers. Racial friction has developed in some countries because of guest workers.

Explain factors associated with employment policies, including social roles, gender, race, and minorities.

ICs typically must adjust their labor practices to succeed in international markets, due to a range of factors influencing employment policies and practices. Even where laws have changed to prohibit the practice, cultural, historical and other factors cause social status to be a relevant consideration regarding employment practices. Although women are making progress toward equality in many nations, sexism remains a problem throughout the world. Women continue to have higher levels of illiteracy and lower levels of wages than their male counterparts in virtually all regions of the world, and they are underrepresented in business and political positions of authority. Racism also remains an issue worldwide.

Discuss differences in labor unions from country to country.

Historically, labor unions have tended to be more political in Europe and more pragmatic in the United States. In response to globalization of businesses, many unions have begun to establish international collaboration in an effort to extend their influence.