Convergence and Divergence in Asian Hunnan Resource Managennent

T here has been a growing awareness of the importance of human resource management (HRM) in tbe global arena and a greater understanding of its international dimensions. This trend is reflected in the "evolution" of texts such as those by Dowling and his colleagues.' However, more "traditional" international HRM (IHRM) texts define the area too narrowly and descriptively, with little backing in systematic research. By comparison, Dowling and his colleagues, bave shown an increasing interest in broader issues, subsidiary concerns, and theoretical development.^ IHRM needs to be better grounded to take account of "lower level" issues and practices, because this is where policies and practices are implemented and mediated and where possible constraints may appear'