Which staffing strategy supports global relevance?

• A. Hire local staff around the world.
• B. Centralize staffing in Atlanta.
• C. Rely exclusively on external contractors.
• D. Hire only within the North American region.

Answer: (A)

Global relevance comes from having people who are embedded in the regions you serve. Local staff around the world bring firsthand understanding of language, culture, business practices, regulatory nuances, and the specific needs of each region. They can tailor programs, communications, and services so they truly resonate with diverse audiences and build credibility with local chapters and partners. This on-the-ground insight also helps identify regional priorities quickly and respond in a timely, respectful way that a centralized or one-region approach can’t duplicate.

Choosing to centralize staffing in one city creates distance from other regions, making it harder to understand local contexts, slower to respond, and less trusted by local stakeholders. Relying exclusively on external contractors can offer flexibility, but it often results in less consistency, weaker long-term relationships, and insufficient institutional knowledge. Hiring only within one geographic area ignores the perspectives and needs of members worldwide, diminishing global relevance.

Therefore, placing staff locally around the world best supports a truly global, engaged, and responsive presence.