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Understanding the evolution of international human resource management research: a bibliometric review over the past 25 years (1995–2019)

Joonghak Lee (College of Business, Gachon University, Seongnam, South Korea)
Chungil Chae (College of Business, Wenzhou-Kean University, Wenzhou, China)
Jong Min Lee (School of Business, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea)
Rita Fontinha (Henley Business School, University of Reading, Reading, UK)

Journal of Global Mobility

ISSN: 2049-8799

Article publication date: 22 March 2024

287

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to offer a comprehensive overview of the field of international human resource management (IHRM) research by tracing its evolutionary development over a 24-year period. The study seeks to understand how the field has progressed by considering historical research themes and their subsequent integration into more recent scholarly work, thereby identifying current and emerging research trends.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper employs bibliometric analysis to examine the evolutionary path of IHRM research from 1995 to 2019. A dataset of 1,507 articles from journals specializing in IHRM, international business and general management was created. Analysis at the keyword, thematic and network levels was conducted to identify trends, historical context and the interrelatedness of research themes.

Findings

The analysis reveals that IHRM research has gone through several phases of thematic focus, from initial emphasis on cultural differences and expatriate management to more recent topics like global talent management and digital transformation. Earlier research themes continue to be incorporated and re-contextualized in modern scholarship, highlighting the field’s dynamic nature.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the first to use a bibliometric approach to systematically examine the evolution of IHRM research. It not only provides a historical perspective but also outlines future research trends, incorporating the institutional logic perspective. The findings offer deep insights that are valuable for researchers, practitioners and policymakers interested in the development of IHRM research and its practical implications.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by Yonsei Business Research Institute.

Citation

Lee, J., Chae, C., Lee, J.M. and Fontinha, R. (2024), "Understanding the evolution of international human resource management research: a bibliometric review over the past 25 years (1995–2019)", Journal of Global Mobility, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/JGM-09-2023-0062

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2024, Emerald Publishing Limited

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