Employee Management Strategies in the Internationalization Process of Spanish Companies

Due to the characteristics of the internationalization process, the role of the expatriate as a key figure has been studied in the literature for several decades. Its relevance ranges from the transfer of knowledge from the parent company to the subsidiary to the cultural and social cohesion of the company. It is also worth noting the role of control over the investment made by the company from the home country, being responsible for ensuring that the subsidiary competes at a good level. Spanish multinational companies have not been immune to this new paradigm in the international management of their activities. They have promoted foreign direct investment through mergers and acquisitions, international joint ventures, and other investments, where the selected expatriate has been properly selected, trained, and compensated. The chapter analyzes their expatriation strategies, noting differences in approach: Mahou San Miguel focuses on reinforcing brand identity and quality standards abroad, while Ebro Foods emphasizes operational integration and supply chain coordination.