Learning objectives
To identify global trends in international human resource management (IHRM).
To offer a critical perspective on IHRM practices and trends.
To integrate conceptual arguments with practical implications.
Learning outcomes
After reading this chapter, students will be able to:
understand the strategic role of human resource practices in a dynamic and complex global business environment
acknowledge issues that arise in human resource management when firms internationalise
understand how firms develop and adapt their HRM strategies and policies in response to internationalised business operations
appreciate the multinational and cross-cultural context of HRM
understand the rising importance of human capital in an international work environment.
Introduction
Human resource management (HRM) is a management function that covers the processes of selecting, training, appraising and compensating employees, with respect to regulations in areas including health and safety, labour relations and equal employment opportunity (Zheng, 2013). When companies globalise their operations, they go through certain phases (Mathews, 2006), moving from domestic to international, multinational and global stages (Farndale & Paauwe, 2007).