Abstract/Summary

Design/methodology/approach: This paper employs bibliometric analysis to examine the evolutionary path of international human resource management (IHRM) research from 1995 to 2019. A dataset of 1,507 articles from journals specializing in IHRM, international business, and general management was created. Analysis at the keyword, thematic, and network levels was conducted to identify trends, historical context, and the interrelatedness of research themes. Purpose: The aim of this paper is to offer a comprehensive overview of the field of IHRM research by tracing its evolutionary development over a 24-year period. The study seeks to understand how the field has progressed, by considering historical research themes and their subsequent integration into more recent scholarly work, thereby identifying the current and emerging research trends. Findings: The analysis reveals that IHRM research has gone through several phases of thematic focus, from initial emphasis on cultural differences and expatriate management to more recent topics like global talent management and digital transformation. Earlier research themes continue to be incorporated and re-contextualized in modern scholarship, highlighting the field’s dynamic nature. Originality/value: This paper is one of the first to use a bibliometric approach to systematically examine the evolution of IHRM research. It not only provides a historical perspective but also outlines future research trends, incorporating the institutional logic perspective. The findings offer deep insights that are valuable for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers interested in the development of IHRM research and its practical implications.