Frontier Exploration and Future Prospects of International and Comparative Research in Human Resource Management

Abstract

Driven by globalization and digital transformation, international and comparative Human Resource Management (HRM) has become a critical field for understanding organizational adaptability and competitive advantage. This study systematically reviews 86 key articles to map the current research landscape, identify theoretical gaps, and propose a forward-looking research agenda. The review identifies three core themes shaping the field: (1) the central tension between global integration and local responsiveness, a complex interplay driven by deep-seated cultural and institutional differences across nations; (2) the strategic imperative to align international HRM (IHRM) with organizational performance, a nuanced relationship increasingly analyzed with sophisticated configurational methodologies; and (3) the transformative impact of contemporary frontiers, notably digitalization, artificial intelligence, and the growing demand for sustainability. However, the literature also reveals key limitations: the integration of macro- and micro-level theories remains underdeveloped, research requires broader methods and deeper exploration of emerging topics like digital ethics and Green HRM, and the localization practices in developing economies are significantly under-researched. We thus propose that future research should focus on deepening multi-level contextual analysis, fostering interdisciplinary innovation, and addressing the challenges posed by technological ethics, sustainability, and diverse geopolitical contexts. This will help build a theoretical framework with greater explanatory power and practical relevance for a complex world.