Title: Internationalisation and emerging market organisations: toward a theory of HRM adaptation

Authors: Benjamin D. Blake

Addresses: University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, USA

Abstract: This article advances research on international human resource management (HRM) in emerging market organisations (EMOs) that seek to expand globally. Utilising institutional theory and extant literature, I derive insights regarding internationalising EMOs and argue that globally aspirant EMOs are subjected to Western, largely American, institutions due to Western hegemony in the global economy. Subsequently, I analyse three case organisations from Brazil, Russia, and India. With these publicly available data, I find empirical support for my argument that EMOs adapt their HRM systems according to a Western logic, thus allowing them to adhere to institutional demands, gain legitimacy, and expand globally. In addition, scholars may find interest in the evidence suggesting organisational ambidexterity is vital for EMOs navigating institutional complexity in global markets. I hope this study facilitates additional scholarship regarding the impact of institutions and ambidexterity on globally aspirant EMOs' management practices.

Keywords: human resources; emerging markets; organisational ambidexterity; institutions.

DOI: 10.1504/IJGSB.2021.120477

International Journal of Globalisation and Small Business, 2021 Vol.12 No.4, pp.317 - 340

Received: 11 Feb 2021
Accepted: 27 Jul 2021
Published online: 21 Jan 2022 *

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