Pre-expatriation: the role of HR factors in the early stages of internationalization

Abstract

While there has been considerable research on the early stages of internationaIization, HRM aspects have not generally been part of this work, even though many of the important variables revolve around the key people involved and such aspects as their knowledge and networks. In this article, the somewhat neglected area of HRM and internationalization before full-scale expatriation is examined. From the limited available research, it would appear that, within companies, many of the emerging HR issues in early internationalization are dealt with as and when they arise, in a relatively ad hoc manner, often through the marketing department. It is argued that there is potential for a more substantial role to be played by HR staff, but this may well depend on the development of more internationally oriented HR staff as a starting point.

Keywords:

• Internationalization
• Human Resource Management
• Pre-expatriation