Article: Future competitiveness of Western Europe on the example of Germany and the Netherlands: are Indian professionals our piece to solving the talent shortage puzzle? Journal: International Journal of Business and Globalisation (IJBG) 2013 Vol.10 No.1 pp.14 - 30 Abstract: In order to achieve a competitive advantage in today's global environment, companies are increasingly relying on human resources as a strategic tool. However, especially the western world is as a consequence of changes in demographics and employment contracts more and more faced with skill or talent shortages. Using a qualitative approach with semi-structured interviews this article shows that professionals recognise a talent shortage in Germany and the Netherlands. A diversification of the workforce by leveraging Indian professionals is further shown to be a possible solution to the skill or talent shortage problem. Inderscience Publishers - linking academia, business and industry through research

Title: Future competitiveness of Western Europe on the example of Germany and the Netherlands: are Indian professionals our piece to solving the talent shortage puzzle?

Authors: Laura Boege; Robert J. Blomme

Addresses: Centre for Leadership and Management Development, Nyenrode Business Universiteit, Straatweg 25, 3621 BG Breukelen, The Netherlands ' Centre for Leadership and Management Development, Nyenrode Business Universiteit, Straatweg 25, 3621 BG Breukelen, The Netherlands

Abstract: In order to achieve a competitive advantage in today's global environment, companies are increasingly relying on human resources as a strategic tool. However, especially the western world is as a consequence of changes in demographics and employment contracts more and more faced with skill or talent shortages. Using a qualitative approach with semi-structured interviews this article shows that professionals recognise a talent shortage in Germany and the Netherlands. A diversification of the workforce by leveraging Indian professionals is further shown to be a possible solution to the skill or talent shortage problem.

Keywords: cross-cultural differences; employment contracts; Germany; India; Netherlands; Holland; qualitative approaches; skill shortages; future competitiveness; Western Europe; professionals; talent shortages; competitive advantage; human resources; strategic tools; demographics; demographic changes; workforce diversification; employee leveraging; human resource management; HRM; Aalberts Industries; industrial services; flow controls; AkzoNobel; decorative paints; performance coatings; specialty chemicals; ASML; photolithography systems; BASF; DSM; Hunter Douglas; window coverings; architectural products; MAN Group; commercial vehicles; business; globalisation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBG.2013.051800

International Journal of Business and Globalisation, 2013 Vol.10 No.1, pp.14 - 30

Published online: 21 Nov 2013 *

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Title: Future competitiveness of Western Europe on the example of Germany and the Netherlands: are Indian professionals our piece to solving the talent shortage puzzle?

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