Human resource diversity management (HRDM) practices as a coping mechanism for xenophobia at transnational workplace: A case of a multi-billion-dollar economic corridor

China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a multibillion-dollar partnered project is considered as game-changer, it combines the strategic interests of China and Pakistan that cannot be compromised. The mega-construction has recently experienced xenophobic incidents involving Chinese Pakistani nationals, creating significant harm towards CPEC progress success, especially under enormous geopolitical economic threats. This sketches our motivation for conducting this research focused on qualitative design based expert interviews 8 individuals (i.e., both nationals) directly associated with CPEC. Drawing review mainstream research, article constructs framework to explore demotions behaviors at workplace human resource diversity management (HRDM) practices (including intercultural training development, flexible compensation, international staffing, work-design, work–life balance) in coping xenophobia its sub-dimensions discrimination, prejudice, stereotyping). Experts interview findings confirm presence We propose various HRDM managing workplace, however, still infancy stage. Hence, present study introduces new operating model future researchers, academicians, practitioners cope insights were explored during research.