The ADP Research Institute®, a specialized group within ADP®, surveyed 725 HR decision-makers in global multinational organizations with 5,000 or more employees to provide insight. Helping HR and corporate executives to better understand the correlation between corporate goals and HCM, the study explores the value of global HCM components as well the plans and needs of global executives.

According to the ADP Research Institute’s study, the outlook for global business looks positive. Companies are increasing headcount outside of their headquarter countries demonstrating confidence about business opportunities. However, there are challenges related to HCM that are inherent in the growing process.

For example, multinational organizations are grappling with a complex set of disparate HCM systems and processes; managing an average of 33 payroll systems and 31 HR systems. Additionally, more than two-thirds of multinational companies (69 percent) rank talent acquisition and tracking as the workforce management strategy with the greatest impact on their organization’s business objectives. Yet, 49 percent of study respondents also state talent management is their top business challenge.

This disconnect directly affects global organizations’ ability to achieve their top business goal of expanding into new markets. The following discussion seeks to align HCM activities with the organizations’ specific goals and spotlight the situations needing attention.

About this Report: The ADP Research Institute® conducted its third annual Global Human Capital Management (HCM) Decision-Makers Survey in December 2014 among 725 HR decision-makers in global multinational organizations with 5,000 or more employees worldwide. The study universe included senior leaders across Asia Pacific, Europe and the Americas. A statistically projectable sample of respondents was interviewed, split between four groups by size: global MNC’s with 5,000 to 9,999; 10,000 to 24,999; 25,000 to 74,999, and 75,000+ total employees worldwide. The resulting data achieved statistical reliability at the 95% confidence level both overall and in each of the size groups and regions.