Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Effective Strategies for Developing and Retaining International Teams: Insights from
Table of Contents
1. Introduction.......................................................................................................................................3
1.1 Importance of Team Development and Retention in an International Context............................3
1.2 Overview of Shell Plc and Accenture as Case Studies.................................................................3
2. Understanding the International Context...........................................................................................4
3. Learning and Development Strategies...............................................................................................5
4. Knowledge Sharing and Transfer......................................................................................................7
4.1 Creating a Culture of Knowledge Sharing...................................................................................7
4.2 Leveraging Technology for Knowledge Management.................................................................8
4.3 Encouraging Cross-Functional Collaboration..............................................................................8
5. Leadership and Management Practices..............................................................................................9
6. Employee Engagement and Motivation...........................................................................................10
6.1 Recognising and Rewarding International Team Members.......................................................10
6.2 Promoting Work-Life Balance...................................................................................................11
6.3 Creating a Supportive and Inclusive Work Environment...........................................................12
7. Talent Acquisition and Retention Strategies....................................................................................12
7.1 Attracting and Selecting the Right Talent..................................................................................12
7.2 Developing Career Paths and Succession Planning...................................................................13
7.3 Implementing Retention Strategies............................................................................................13
8. Measuring and Evaluating Team Development...............................................................................14
8.1 Key Performance Indicators......................................................................................................14
8.2 Conducting Regular Performance Reviews and Evaluations.....................................................15
8.3 Monitoring the Impact of Development Initiatives....................................................................15
9. Case Study: Shell Plc.......................................................................................................................15
10. Case Study: Accenture...................................................................................................................17
11. Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................18
References...........................................................................................................................................20
3
1. Introduction
the structure of the present-day global business environment. This report is designed to
specific challenges and potentials of working across international borders. Training will be
oriented towards providing substantive insight into the strategies and best practices required
International teams pose an exciting array of challenges, the most prominent being
cultural diversity. According to Caligiuri et al. (2020), while this diversity may be
encouraging in matters such as creativity and innovation, it also complicates the issues
international teams, the manager must go beyond just assembling people from diverse
are effectively bundled together (Van Knippenberg, Nishii, and Dwertmann, 2020). Retaining
talent in each of these teams is crucial, requiring identifying and recognising the different
motivational factors and desires relating to careers for every team member. Al–Aali and
Teece (2014) have explained this by highlighting that properly managed international teams
The report focuses on Shell Plc and Accenture to provide insights into managing
international teams effectively. Shell Plc is interested in global oil and gas operations
landscape. These case studies are valuable lessons in team management applicable across
various industries. They guide management practitioners since they provide many
marketplace.
out of global teams. The author proposes that the international context goes beyond
Cultural diversity within worldwide teams brings many perspectives and innovative
(Kahwema and Lichte, 2023). The team members with cultural diversity can offer unique
insights, enhancing decision-making. Steers, Sanchez-Runde, and Nardon (2010) noted that
communication across cultures and attitudes towards authority, time management, and
negotiation strategies vary; hence, international team managers should be sensitive to the
differences.
The legal and regulatory landscape is also another significant contributor in the
international context. Operating across the border involves dealing with more than one law
and regulation framework, such as labour laws or data protection rules. Bhamra, Dani, and
Burnard (2011) highlighted that these can affect everything from recruitment practices to
information sharing and teamwork within teams. Succeeding in this intricate legal
environment requires diligence, flexibility, and adaptability, mainly because the world is
5
currently undergoing changes where laws and regulations can change at the click of global
Language and communication forge other obstacles as well. Arguably, the most
widely used business language, English, often exposes variations in language proficiency and
non-verbal cues that are more prone to miscommunications (Birlik, 2018). Teams who
identify and surmount them are generally successful and less likely to be plagued by
miscommunication setbacks. The other context of the international one is also dynamic,
developments. Zakaria and Yusof (2020) further point out that the growth of digital
Developing a robust learning and development program for global teams involves
knowing the development needs of a given team member while more broadly developing the
collective goals of the team (Shuffler et al., 2018). These include an understanding of the
diversity in background, skill sets, and professional aspirations within the team. Initiatives on
learning can be drawn from these to ensure the relevance and effectiveness of results. For
example, while some members of the team may need training in the realization of some
skills. They can gain a lot from such training. These efforts, when coherent with any shared
team goals, such as project management and domain knowledge improvement, lead to the
cultural diversity (Morrison-Smith and Ruiz, 2020). This is because, as the problem is being
which gives crucial information on how to mix different methods. Boscari, Danese and
6
Romano (2016) postulate that they are able to circumvent barriers such as time differences in
the time zones and the languages crossing the national border. In a case study example, the
how to train staff of the firm who were from all corners of the world in applying new
software. Another good example is how a global leadership development program was
leadership styles. Such examples offer valuable lessons for other international teams.
members of international teams. The creation of e-learning platforms, virtual classrooms, and
Namada (2021), the technologies ease the work of management to ensure all team members
are located in different time zones and access training with many conveniences. With the
addition of interactive webinars, virtual workshops, and online courses, features come along
which make the process as engaging and immersive as attendance at a company session
(Porwol et al., 2022). Instructors can optimise the tracking of learning progress and analytics
and breeds a sense of connection that breeds the cohesiveness of team members. It establishes
a shared learning and collaborative space that promotes an inclusive culture where the team
members feel valued and engaged in their growth regardless of location. This is especially
important when the team is geographically distributed across countries and time zones
because physical distance can limit the facility of interaction. Yoo and Song (2021) stressed
that through the effective use of technology, companies can ascertain that their learning and
development interventions are inclusive, holistic, and critical in forging a united, high-
In the modern business scenario where innovation and adaptability increase key to
success, it becomes imperative for corporations to share, circulate and pass knowledge
operating globally. Such a process will fuel innovation and create a college of lifelong
At its very core, effective knowledge sharing is intrinsic to an open and collaborative
environment. This, in turn, requires a positive workplace culture facilitating the sharing of
information, insights, and experiences, which entitles proactivity by the organisation and
rewards sharing whenever possible (Lam et al., 2021). This becomes quite challenging in
international teams, given the diversified cultural backgrounds that may influence how the
collaborating members perceive and engage in knowledge sharing. Overcoming such calls for
a conscious effort towards building trust and openness of communication across the team.
According to Olaisen and Revang (2017), this could be done through joint meetings with the
entire team, knowledge sessions, and informal gatherings that break all barriers and
Technology mainly supports the sharing of knowledge across borders. With teams
It is under the perspective that digital platforms and tools become indispensable (Kauppila,
Rajala, and Jyrämä, 2011). This can go from simple intranet portals and cloud-based
document management systems to the more advanced knowledge management platforms that
use artificial intelligence to curate and distribute information. Oshri, Van Fenema, and
Kotlarsky (2008) point out that these technologies make it easy for team members to access
8
and share documents, best practices, and learnings besides the geographical distance.
Moreover, Ellison, Gibbs, and Weber (2015) posit that social collaboration tools like
enterprise social networks facilitate the sharing of explicit knowledge informally, which
transfer (Ghobadi and D'Ambra, 2012). When group members belong to divergent sections of
an organisation, such as departments or areas of expertise, the diversity of input implies that
the group would be better placed to intersect innovative alternatives in the solutions or
beneficial because it will incorporate cultures and professional perspectives different from the
undertake projects involving different departments, assemble mixed teams, and carry out
cross-training for that to be possible. Such initiatives would not only assist in transferring
knowledge across different areas of the business but also tend to build a more coherent and
integrated team.
Effective practices and methods of leadership and management form the heart of
ensuring success in international teams (Zander, Mockaitis, and Butler, 2012). Leaders in a
global realm face many cultural differences, language barriers, and varying business practices
within which they operate; therefore, their role becomes significantly challenging and
indispensable.
setting, leaders often need to adapt their style according to the cultural environments and the
members of their teams (Javidan et al., 2016). For example, the directive leadership style may
9
be effective in cultures that respect the chain of command and authority. Adapting one's
leadership style to suit the diverse needs of an international team is crucial. This is likely to
entail some level of transformational leadership, where leaders help in fanning motivation
and inspiring their teams towards a vision, as well as situational leadership, where they keep
adapting the required style depending on the situation or a member within the team (Cojocar,
2008).
Building trust and developing diversity are other pivotal elements in managing
international teams. Trust is, in fact, one of the most critical factors for success together with
Leaders should make an effort to build trust across cultural divides by understanding and
appreciating the perspectives and work styles of different cultures. This inclusivity should be
seen as the absence of discrimination and as each team member is actively enabled to
Performance management and feedback delivery become daunting tasks for teams of
performance that work in one type of cultural context may translate differently to the next
(Mone, London, and Mone, 2018). Similarly, cultures differ significantly regarding how
feedback is communicated and how well it is received. For example, in some cultures, direct
feedback might be preferable and expected, which must be given without offence
considerations. In contrast, the same cannot be done in others, and a more indirect way must
be found to give such feedback (Caputo et al., 2019). Leadership is consequently required to
bear cultural sensitivity during performance management. Xenikou and Simosi (2006) point
out that they should develop clear and achievable goals relevant to the objectives of their
organisation and the interests of their team, which are culturally diverse.
10
engagement and motivation is a challenging issue that demands vast knowledge regarding
cultural diversity and its influences on workplace relationships (Kişi, 2023). Committed and
engaged employees are highly productive and breed a positive environment to work in
The motivation of employees lies in recognition and reward systems. For a global
team, what works to motivate employees from one region works differently than the same
way motivation for employees from another (Noor et al., 2020). For this matter, developing a
flexible and culturally sensitive approach towards rewards and recognition becomes essential.
Though monetary rewards are always welcome, other forms of recognition may exist.
preferences and achievements can result in a more significant impact. As Shepstone and
Currie (2008) observe, this may include special recognition of work anniversaries or other
major life events that shape an individual's career, enhancing appreciation and belonging
among colleagues.
Work-life balance is another critical factor of employee engagement, yet its meaning
significantly varies from culture to culture (Parkes and Langford, 2008). While some
countries believe that long hours and constant availability are the norm, others believe in
differences and try creating policies that would respect such varied perspectives. According
to Jooss, McDonnell, and Conroy (2021), flexible work arrangements, such as flexible
working hours or working from home, may respond to emerging divergent work-life balance
expectations. Understanding and respecting such cultural work-life balance differences is not
just about satisfaction but also about productivity (Kar and Misra, 2013). Employees who feel
inclusive approach to teams such as international ones. It means developing a culture where
differences are valued and not tolerated (Gotsis and Grimani, 2016). The policies and
practices that foster an environment that features respect between team members are
supposed to promote both diversity and inclusion actively. In this case, inclusion is not just a
lack of discrimination. According to Vohra et al. (2015), this ensures all employees have
equal access to opportunities and resources, feel comfortable expressing their views and
opinions, and even feel their contributions at the workplace are being valued. This can be
diversity training and open discussion forums and feedback (Pless and Maak, 2004).Leaders
must be approachable and open to feedback, thus providing an environment where employees
In the ever-demanding global business climate, talent acquisition and retention are
core strategies for sustaining a competitive edge (Elegbe, 2016). The implication of
international teams amplifies the challenge as understanding and valuing cultural diversity
The process of attracting and selecting the right talents for international teams goes
beyond appraising skills and experience. Alternatively, put in another way, cultural fit is
equally, if not more, relevant. According to Stahl et al. (2012), employees who fit well with a
particular company's culture and its values and understand unique dynamics affecting a
multicultural team have a higher likelihood of success in this situation and positively
vernment's goals require sophisticated talent recruitment that does not only look at the
candidates' professional qualifications but also considers how effectively they can work in
such a diversified environment (Caligiuri, 2012). This could entail assessing their flexibility,
cross-cultural communication skills, and attitudes towards working in teams with a mix of
backgrounds. Recruiters and hiring managers need to identify such traits and know what they
indicate beyond the context of teams and organisational culture at the workplace.
Once the right talent is on board, the focus shifts to retention, a significant aspect of
which is career development. Employees who see apparent career growth and development
within the company would be more committed and motivated (Mehta, Kurbetti, and
Dhankhar, 2014). The practical strategies towards career development comprise provisions of
communication about the potential career paths within the organisation. Succession planning
is also crucial. Winiarska-Januszewicz and Winiarski (2014) highlight that by identifying and
developing high-potential employees to fill future leadership roles, the organisations not only
ensure a pool of competent leaders but also demonstrate commitment to the development of
the professional lives of its employees, and this can be an effective retention tool.
13
therefore, essential to understand where and how employees of different regions and cultures
are motivated so that informed retention strategies can be arrived at (Rand, 2015). In some
cultures, job security and working atmosphere stability can be highly in demand. Besides
tailoring benefits and all the incentives to meet these varied preferences, fostering a positive
work environment is necessary. Vohra et al. (2015) outline that this involves ensuring fair
organisation, and supporting work-life balance. Regular feedback and open communication
channels also help generate belonging and engagement in the organisation, which is crucial
for retention.
foster its success, the measurement and evaluation become critical for the development of a
team. It is hardly about measuring performance but about understanding more the subtleties
under which a team performs well or not, in collaboration, in communication first, and in
Within this context, of high importance is to find the proper Key Performance
Indicators (KPIs) to measure the performance of international teams (Parmenter, 2015). The
correct choice needs to be found concerning which KPIs should be seen to represent an
international team's unique objectives and challenges. Standard metrics may entail project
completion rates, customer satisfaction scores and financial targets. At the international level,
efficiency, and levels of engagement of team members also count as vital measures (Albats,
may indicate that more training is required in the area. By tracking these KPIs over time,
leaders can gain insights into the developmental trajectory of the team and get strategic in
performance reviews and other forms of evaluations regular offers managers the platform to
give constructive feedback and provides ample space for team members to air their concerns
and suggestions about how they can enhance their productivity (Mone, London, and Mone,
2018). This two-way communication is essential so that the team's goals must be in sync with
Steers et al. (2010) point out that what constitutes constructive feedback could differ across
they influenced the overall team's effectiveness. This entails analysing how programs like
training, team-building, and other development interventions influence the workings and
performance of the team (Shuffler et al., 2018). Did the programs translate into better
what can be borrowed and what should be done away with for improvements. For instance, if
a training program has gained success and evidence guides to a marked improvement in
Shell Plc, a global giant in the energy and petrochemical sectors, represents an ideal
scenario of how such a vast, diversified, and possibly geographically dispersed workforce can
be managed and nurtured simultaneously (Hudson, 2007). Operating in an industry that calls
for technical know-how and the ability to adapt to different socio-cultural and environmental
settings quickly, Shell's employee development and retention process is nothing short of
The attention that Shell places on continuous learning and professional development
makes it a core part of its strategy, clearly tailor-made to meet the unique requirements of its
international workforce. Recognising varied roles and career aspirations within a diverse
team, Shell delivers various training programs, from specialised technical training courses for
engineers to leadership development programs for managerial staff (Grant, 2013 .For
instance, in Shell's Advanced Technical Programme, junior engineers get technical training
that is deep enough to allow them the latest skills and knowledge in the area, such as deep
drilling (People Matters Editorial Team, 2018). This commitment to specialist training
ensures its staff are competent and pre-eminent experts in their respective fields. Shell places
transparent career path system that delineates clear career paths and the competencies
required at each stage in employee careers (Russon, McGrath, and Adoye, 2023).
Mentorship and coaching also fall under the Shell strategy. Vera-Muñoz, Chow and
professional support by coupling relatively less experience with the most seasoned
professionals. This mentorship goes beyond technical skill development for guidance in
managing the cultural complexities of a truly global company. Shell has also made gigantic
16
strategy, consulting, digital technology, and operations (Alva and Bhat, 2018). Operating in
over 120 countries and serving numerous industries, the company is good at deploying
technology and even digital capabilities to enhance the performance of its clients and build
sustainable worth with them. Miao (2012) asserts that Accenture's success is predominantly
dependent on and attributed to a highly skilled and diverse working population maintained by
technology and consulting sector, Accenture has invested heavily in advanced learning and
development programs. Jeffery et al. (2017) emphasise that employees are accorded the
much-required skills and information to remain current within a rapidly transforming industry
by participating in such programs. Of great interest is the rigorous training in some of the
most current fields, including cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and digital marketing,
that guarantees its workforce remains in tandem with emerging technological developments
Accenture positions its global learning platform as the largest, named "Accenture
MyLearning", with over 24,000 online courses and interactive programs that provide
resources to meet individual's roles and career goals, facilitating personalised learning paths
(Zapf, 2007). Further, this focus on career development is interwoven within its learning
initiatives. Its culture of "lifelong learning" is nurtured through progressive programs such as
the "Future Talent Platform," preparing employees for future roles within data science and
web development.
17
strategy. Newer employees have guided skill development and a platform to develop internal
networking for career growth alongside experienced professionals (Lenka, Singh, 2019). On
the other hand, Accenture's commitment to diversity and inclusion strengthens the learning
most creative and innovative workplace. Research by Dixit and Bajpai (2015) indicates that
and the widened paradigms that ensue - and are imperative in present times and today's global
business environment.
11. Conclusion
retaining teams within an international context, which highlights how complexity and
dynamism are embedded in the development and retention of teams within the global
workforce. The practical presentations pinned at the case studies of Shell and Plc and
Accenture focused on real practical applications of the strategies to prove the efficacy of the
leadership styles, cultivating a culture for continuous learning and development, as well as
Shell Plc and Accenture are two of the cases describing the successful implementation of
learning programs for individuals' professional growth with connected career development
plans and insisting on the significance of investments in the growth of employees and their
.
18
References
Adelman, K., 2012. Promoting employee voice and upward communication in healthcare: the
Al–Aali, A. and Teece, D.J., 2014. International entrepreneurship and the theory of the
Albats, E., Fiegenbaum, I. and Cunningham, J.A., 2018. A micro-level study of university-
Beyazay, B., 2015. The nature of the firm in the oil industry: International oil companies in
Bhamra, R., Dani, S. and Burnard, K., 2011. Resilience: the concept, a literature review and
Birlik, S., 2018. Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication Strategies in English as a Business
Boscari, S., Danese, P. and Romano, P., 2016. Implementing lean production in multinational
Caligiuri, P., 2012. Cultural agility: Building a pipeline of successful global professionals.
Caligiuri, P., De Cieri, H., Minbaeva, D., Verbeke, A. and Zimmermann, A., 2020.
International HRM insights for navigating the COVID-19 pandemic: Implications for
19
future research and practice. Journal of International Business Studies, 51, pp.697-
713.
Caputo, A., Ayoko, O.B., Amoo, N. and Menke, C., 2019. The relationship between cultural
values, cultural intelligence and negotiation styles. Journal of business research, 99,
pp.23-36.
Chehade, E.C., 2020. Facilitating Collaboration and Trust in Multicultural Teams: Design
Northeastern University).
Dixit, P. and Bajpai, B.L., 2015. Managing workforce diversity in a competitive environment.
Elegbe, J.A., 2016. Talent management in the developing world: Adopting a global
perspective. Routledge.
Ellison, N.B., Gibbs, J.L. and Weber, M.S., 2015. The use of enterprise social network sites
Evans, J.W. and Gabel, A.L., 2020. Legal Entrepreneurship and the Strategic Virtues of
Genç, E. and Di Benedetto, C.A., 2015. Cross-functional integration in the sustainable new
Ghobadi, S. and D'Ambra, J., 2012. Knowledge sharing in cross ‐functional teams: a
Gotsis, G. and Grimani, K., 2016. The role of servant leadership in fostering inclusive
Grant, R.M., 2013. The development of knowledge management in the oil and gas
Grant, R.M., 2013. The development of knowledge management in the oil and gas
Javidan, M., Dorfman, P.W., De Luque, M.S. and House, R.J., 2016. In the eye of the
Jeffery, M., Fisher, D., Granot, M., Kadyan, A., Pho, A. and Vasquez, C., 2017. Strategic IT
Jooss, S., McDonnell, A. and Conroy, K., 2021. Flexible global working arrangements: An
Kahwema, P. and Lichte, L., 2023. Exploring Leadership Strategies and Dynamics in
Kar, S. and Misra, K.C., 2013. Nexus between work-life balance practices and employee
p.63.
Kauppila, O.P., Rajala, R. and Jyrämä, A., 2011. Knowledge sharing through virtual teams
Kişi, N., 2023. Bibliometric analysis and visualisation of global research on employee
Lam, L., Nguyen, P., Le, N. and Tran, K., 2021. The relation among organisational culture,
p.66.
Lenka, S. and Singh, L.P., 2019. Transforming HR as an agile business partner: The case of
Accenture.
Mehta, M., Kurbetti, A. and Dhankhar, R., 2014. Review paper–study on employee retention
Miao, Y., 2012. A case study-employee retention and turnover in Accenture (Doctoral
Mone, E., London, M. and Mone, E.M., 2018. Employee engagement through effective
Morrison-Smith, S. and Ruiz, J., 2020. Challenges and barriers in virtual teams: a literature
Namada, J.M., 2021. Learning management systems in the era of e-learning. In Machine
Learning Approaches for Improvising Modern Learning Systems (pp. 169-190). IGI
Global.
Noor, Z., Nayaz, N., Solanki, V., Manoj, A. and Sharma, A., 2020. Impact of rewards system
Olaisen, J. and Revang, O., 2017. Working smarter and greener: Collaborative knowledge
Oshri, I., Van Fenema, P. and Kotlarsky, J., 2008. Knowledge transfer in globally distributed
teams: the role of transactive memory. Information Systems Journal, 18(6), pp.593-
616.
Parkes, L.P. and Langford, P.H., 2008. Work–life balance or work–life alignment? A test of
the importance of work-life balance for employee engagement and intention to stay in
Parmenter, D., 2015. Key performance indicators: developing, implementing, and using
People Matters Editorial Team (2018). People Matters - Interstitial Site — People Matters.
return_to=%2Farticle%2Femployer-branding%2Fhow-does-shell-enable-employees-
to-be-most-authentic-versions-18236
Pless, N. and Maak, T., 2004. Building an inclusive diversity culture: Principles, processes
Porwol, L., Metcalf, S.S., Morrison, J.B., Chun, S.A. and Luna-Reyes, L.F., 2022.
Rand, I., 2015. Cultural intelligence: The essential intelligence for the 21st century.
Russon, J.A., McGrath, S. and Adoye, P., 2023. International Oil Corporations and Skills
Shepstone, C. and Currie, L., 2008. Transforming the academic library: Creating an
Shonfeld, M., Cotnam-Kappel, M., Judge, M., Ng, C.Y., Ntebutse, J.G., Williamson-Leadley,
S. and Yildiz, MN, 2021. Learning in digital environments: a model for cross-cultural
Shuffler, M.L., Diazgranados, D., Maynard, M.T. and Salas, E., 2018. Developing,
724.
Shuffler, M.L., Diazgranados, D., Maynard, M.T. and Salas, E., 2018. Developing,
724.
Srivastava, S., Hallur, G.G. and Mukitm, A., 2023, September. Advanced-data analytics in
Stahl, G., Björkman, I., Farndale, E., Morris, S.S., Paauwe, J., Stiles, P., Trevor, J. and
Wright, P., 2012. Six principles of effective global talent management. Sloan
Steers, R.M., Sanchez-Runde, C.J. and Nardon, L., 2010. Management across cultures:
Teunissen, E., Gravenhorst, K., Dowrick, C., van Weel-Baumgarten, E., Van den Driessen
Mareeuw, F., de Brún, T., Burns, N., Lionis, C., Mair, F.S., O’Donnell, C. and
participatory European study. International Journal for Equity in Health, 16, pp.1-12.
24
Van Knippenberg, D., Nishii, L.H. and Dwertmann, D.J., 2020. Synergy from diversity:
Managing team diversity to enhance performance. Behavioral Science & Policy, 6(1),
pp.75-92.
Vera-Muñoz, S.C., Chow, C.W. and Ho, JL, Knowledge Sharing in Large Public Accounting
Firms.
Vohra, N., Chari, V., Mathur, P., Sudarshan, P., Verma, N., Mathur, N., Thakur, P., Chopra,
T., Srivastava, Y., Gupta, S. and Dasmahapatra, V., 2015. Inclusive workplaces:
Wiley, J. and Kowske, B., 2011. Respect: Delivering results by giving employees what they
Winiarska-Januszewicz, A.A. and Winiarski, J., 2014. Advancing leadership pipeline through
Xenikou, A. and Simosi, M., 2006. Organisational culture and transformational leadership as
pp.566-579.
Yoo, S. and Song, Y., 2021. Role of digital technology in achieving the Sustainable
Zakaria, N. and Yusof, S.A.M., 2020. Crossing cultural boundaries using the internet:
Zander, L., Mockaitis, A.I. and Butler, C.L., 2012. Leading global teams. Journal of World
Zapf, L., 2007. Building scalable and context-dependable repositories for learning objects