Abstract
International human resource management (IHRM) is the procurement, allocation, utilization,
motivation, and compensation of human resources in the international arena. IHRM is critical to
the strategy and success of global operations. A Conference Board Survey identified “culture and
people issues” as the biggest roadblocks to global success. 1 Research by Booz Allen Hamilton found
that the problem of hiring quality personnel ranked as one of the main factors inhibiting expansion
of US foreign investment in Japan. The Japanese, on their part, named conflict between expatriates
and the local workforce as their main globalization concern. 2 Appointing people with significant
experience in international operations is one way for companies to avoid those problems and
improve integration and corporate performance worldwide.