Host-Country Nationals (HCNs)

What is Host-Country Nationals (HCNs)?

Host-country nationals are employees who are citizens of the country in which a foreign subsidiary or branch of a multinational organisation is located. For example, a Japanese employee working for an American company’s Tokyo office is a host-country national. Hiring HCNs offers advantages including local market knowledge, language fluency, established professional networks, and lower costs compared to expatriate assignments. HCNs also help organisations navigate local regulations and cultural norms. However, they may have less familiarity with the parent company’s corporate culture and global strategy.