International HRM in the context of uncertainty and crisis: a systematic review of literature (2000–2018)

Can Ererdi*, Assylbek Nurgabdeshov, Sanat Kozhakhmet, Yasin Rofcanin, Mehmet Demirbag

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

30 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This study provides an overview of research on international HRM practices in the context of uncertainty and crisis. With a pool of 72 research articles drawn from 32 journals and published between the years 2000 and 2018, this paper aims to systematically review three distinct research streams within the uncertainty and crisis literature and their effects on international HRM. These three distinct research streams are 1) economic crisis, 2) natural disasters and 3) political uncertainty. In the context of constant economic crisis, we propose further research to explore and integrate high-performance HRM practices and talent management into socially responsible HRM practices. In a natural disaster context, we propose looking into emergency management frameworks within HRM. Finally, in a politically uncertain context, we propose that the development of expatriate assignments and their needs be further investigated. A key contribution of our research is its focus on context and responsiveness in an ever-changing business setting. The importance of boundary conditions and their effect on the implementation of HRM have been overlooked and understudied. A focus on these aspects will provide a nuanced and more realistic understanding of how international HRM unfolds. Relatedly, we consolidate existing research regarding international HRM practices in an uncertainty and crisis context, for our review found it to be scattered and fragmented among disciplines. By doing so, we review existing gaps in the literature and provide a detailed map for future research.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2503-2540
Number of pages38
JournalInternational Journal of Human Resource Management
Volume33
Issue number12
Early online date27 Jan 2021
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 4 Jul 2022

Keywords

  • disaster management
  • economic crisis
  • International Human Resource Management (IHRM)
  • political uncertainty
  • systematic review

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Strategy and Management
  • Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management
  • Management of Technology and Innovation

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