The Paths of Managing International Human Resources of Emerging Market Multinationals: Reconciling Strategic Goal and Control Means

Abstract

Embracing the convergence–divergence–crossvergence debate in the field of international human resource management (IHRM) and linking it to the context of emerging market multinational enterprises (EMNEs), our key contribution is to provide a precise and feasible architecture of convergence–divergence–crossvergence response that takes into account the global versus local dilemma, as well as the headquarters–subsidiary relationship. By incorporating the latest theoretical development and case observations of EMNEs, we identify localization as a strategic goal and autonomy as a control means that foster EMNEs’ choosing their own paths in managing international human resources. Under the architecture, the two types of crossvergent IHRM strategies – deliberate and emergent – are further distinguished. Propositions are developed for future empirical testing.