Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

When do international human capital enhancing practices benefit the bottom line? An ability, motivation, and opportunity perspective

  • Article
  • Published:
Journal of International Business Studies Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

We study the conditions under which firms can capitalize on their international human capital (IHC). Using the ability–motivation–opportunity (AMO) perspective we conceptualize IHC as ability, collaborative climate as motivation, and the firm’s level of internationalization as opportunity. We test three alternative AMO models – the additive model (main effect), the combinative model (two-way interactions), and the multiplicative model (a three-way interaction). Using a cross-industry sample of South Korean firms, we find support for the multiplicative model. Specifically, the relationship between IHC enhancement practices and firm performance is significant and positive only when both collaborative climate and internationalization are high.

Abstract

Nous étudions les conditions dans lesquelles les entreprises peuvent se développer sur la base de leur capital humain international (CHI). Utilisant la perspective capacité-motivation-opportunité (CMO), nous conceptualisons le CHI comme une capacité, le climat de collaboration comme une motivation et le niveau d'internationalisation de la firme comme une opportunité. Nous testons trois alternatives des modèles CMO - le modèle additif (effet principal), le modèle combinatoire (interactions bidirectionnelles) et le modèle multiplicatif (interaction tridirectionnelle). A partir d'un échantillon intersectoriel d'entreprises sud-coréennes, nous confirmons la validité du modèle multiplicatif. Plus précisément, la relation entre les pratiques d'amélioration du CHI et la performance de l'entreprise est significative et positive uniquement lorsque le climat de collaboration et l'internationalisation se situent à un niveau élevé.

Abstract

Estudiamos las condicionales bajo las cuales las empresas pueden aprovechar su capital humano internacional (CHI). Usando la perspectiva habilidad-motivación-oportunidad (HMO) conceptualizamos la CHI como habilidad, ambiente colaborativo como motivación, y el nivel de internacionalización de la empresa como oportunidad. Probamos tres modelos HMO alternativos –el modelo aditivo (efecto principal), modelo combinado (interacciones de dos vías), y el modelo multiplicativo (interacciones de tres vías). Usando una muestra de varias industrias de empresas de Corea del Sur, se encuentra sustento para el modelo multiplicativo. Específicamente, la relación entre las prácticas que mejoran el CHI, y el desempeño de la empresa es significativa y positiva siempre y cuando el clima colaborativo y la internacionalización sean altos.

Abstract

Nós estudamos as condições em que empresas podem beneficiar-se do seu capital humano internacional (IHC). Usando a perspectiva capacidade-motivação-oportunidade (AMO), nós conceituamos IHC como capacidade, clima de colaboração como motivação, e nível de internacionalização da empresa como oportunidade. Nós testamos três modelos alternativos de AMO - o modelo aditivo (efeito principal), o modelo combinado (interações bidirecionais), e o modelo multiplicativo (interação de três fases). Usando uma amostra formada por empresas sul-coreanas de várias indústrias, nós encontramos suporte para o modelo multiplicativo. Especificamente, a relação entre as práticas de aprimoramento do IHC e o desempenho da firma é significativa e positiva apenas quando ambos o clima de colaboração e a internacionalização são elevados.

Abstract

我们研究公司在其国际人力资本 (IHC) 方面可以利用的条件。从能力-动机-机会 (AMO) 的视角, 我们将IHC概念化为能力, 协作的氛围概念化为动机, 公司的国际化水平概念化为机会。我们测试了三种可供选择的AMO模型 : 相加模型 (主效应) , 结合模型 (双向交互作用) 和相乘模型 (三向交互作用) 。通过韩国公司的跨行业样本数据, 我们发现相乘模型得到了支持。具体来说, 只有当协作氛围和公司的国际化水平都很高的时候, IHC的增强实践和公司绩效之间的关系才是显著的正相关。

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Figure 1
Figure 2

Similar content being viewed by others

Notes

  1. For the purpose of simplicity, the proportion of international sales to the total sales in the past three years (2004, 2005, and 2006) and the number of foreign facilities divided by the logarithm of total assets were used as four effect indicators (first order) of internationalization.

References

  • Aguinis, H., O’Boyle, E., Gonzalez-Mule, E., & Joo, H. 2015. Cumulative advantage: Conductors and insulators of heavy-tailed productivity distributions and productivity stars. Personnel Psychology. advance online publication 2 March, doi:10.1111/peps.12095.

  • Aiken, L. S., & West, S. G. 1991. Multiple regression: Testing and interpreting interactions. Newbury Park, CA: Sage.

    Google Scholar 

  • Arora, A., Jaju, A., Kefalas, A. G., & Perenich, T. 2004. An exploratory analysis of global managerial mindsets: A case of US textile and apparel industry. Journal of International Management, 10 (3): 393–411.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Athanassiou, N., & Nigh, D. 2000. Internationalization, tacit knowledge, and the top management teams of MNCs. Journal of International Business Studies, 31 (3): 471–487.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Autio, E., Sapienza, H. J., & Almeida, J. G. 2000. Effects of age at entry, knowledge intensity, and imitability on international growth. Academy of Management Journal, 43 (5): 909–924.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Baird, L., & Meshoulam, I. 1988. Managing two fits of strategic human resource management. Academy of Management Review, 13 (1): 116–128.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bapna, R., Langer, N., Mehra, A., Gopal, R., & Gupta, A. 2012. Human capital investments and employee performance: An analysis of IT services industry. Management Science, 59 (3): 641–658.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Barnett, M., & Salomon, R. 2012. Does it pay to be really good? Addressing the shape of the relationship between social and financial performance. Strategic Management Journal, 33 (11): 1304–1320.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Barron, D. N., West, E., & Hannan, M. T. 1994. A time to grow and a time to die: Growth and mortality of credit unions in New York City: 1914–1990. American Journal of Sociology, 100 (2): 381–421.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Becker, B., & Gerhart, B. 1996. The impact of human resource management on organizational performance: Progress and prospects. Academy of Management Journal, 39 (4): 779–801.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Belsley, D. A., Kuh, E., & Welsch, R. E. 1980. Regression diagnostics. New York: Wiley.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Bird, A., Mendenhall, M., Stevens, M. J., & Oddou, G. 2010. Defining the content domain of intercultural competence for global leaders. Journal of Managerial Psychology, 25 (8): 810–828.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Black, J. S. 1988. Work role transitions: A study of American expatriate managers in Japan. Journal of International Business Studies, 19 (2): 277–294.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Black, J. A., & Boal, K. B. 1994. Strategic resources: Traits, configurations, and paths to sustainable competitive advantage. Strategic Management Journal, 15 (S2): 131–148.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bliese, P. D. 2000. Within-group agreement, non-independence, and reliability: Implications for data aggregation and analysis. In K. J. Klein, & S. W. J. Kozlowski (Eds), Multilevel theory, research, and methods in organizations: Foundations, extensions, and new directions 349–381. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

    Google Scholar 

  • Blumberg, M., & Pringle, C. D. 1982. The missing opportunity in organizational research: Some implications for a theory of work performance. Academy of Management Review, 7 (4): 560–569.

    Google Scholar 

  • Blundell, R., Dearden, L., Meghir, C., & Sianesi, B. 1999. Human capital investment: The returns from education and training to the individual, the firm and the economy. Fiscal Studies, 20 (1): 1–23.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bollen, K. 1989. Structural equations with latent variables. New York: Wiley.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Bollen, K., & Lennox, R. 1991. Conventional wisdom on measurement: A structural equation perspective. Psychological Bulletin, 110 (2): 305–314.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bonache, J., Brewster, C., & Suutari, V. 2001. Expatriation: A developing research agenda. Thunderbird International Business Review, 43 (1): 3–20.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bos-Nehles, A. C., van Riemsdijk, M. J., & Looise, J. K. 2013. Employee perceptions of line management performance: Applying the AMO theory to explain the effectiveness of line managers’ HRM implementation. Human Resource Management, 52 (6): 861–877.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Boubakri, N., & Cosset, J. 1998. The financial and operating performance of newly privatized firms: Evidence from developing countries. Journal of Finance, 53 (3): 1081–1110.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Boudreau, J. W., & Ramstad, P. R. 1999. Human resource metrics: Can measures be strategic? In P. Wright, L. Dyer, J. Boudreau, & G. Milkovich (Eds), Strategic human resources management in the twenty-first century. Stamford, CT: JAI Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bouquet, C., & Birkinshaw, J. 2011. How global strategies emerge: An attention perspective. Global Strategy Journal, 1 (3–4): 243–262.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bourgeois III., L. J., & Eisenhardt, K. M. 1988. Strategic decision processes in high velocity environments: Four cases in the microcomputer industry. Management Science, 34 (7): 816–835.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Boxall, P., & Purcell, J. 2003. Strategy and human resource management. New York: Palgrave Macmillan.

    Google Scholar 

  • Boyacigiller, N. 2000. The international assignment reconsidered. In M. E. Mendenhall, & G. R. Oddou (Eds), International human resource management, 3rd edn: 125–132. Boston, MA: PWS-Kent Publishing Company.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cabrera, E. F., & Cabrera, A. 2005. Fostering knowledge sharing through people management practices. International Journal of Human Resource Management, 16 (5): 720–735.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Caligiuri, P. 2006. Developing global leaders. Human Resource Management Review, 16 (2): 219–228.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Caligiuri, P. 2014. Many moving parts: Factors influencing the effectiveness of HRM practices designed to improve knowledge transfer within MNCs. Journal of International Business Studies, 45 (1): 63–72.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Caligiuri, P., & Colakoglu, S. 2007. A strategic contingency approach to expatriate assignment management. Human Resource Management, 17 (4): 393–410.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Caligiuri, P., & DiSanto, V. 2001. Global competence: What is it and can it be developed through global assignments? Human Resource Planning Journal, 24 (3): 27–38.

    Google Scholar 

  • Carpenter, M. A., & Fredrickson, J. W. 2001. Top management teams, global strategic posture, and the moderating role of uncertainty. Academy of Management Journal, 44 (3): 533–545.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Carpenter, M. A., Sanders, G. W., & Gregersen, H. 2000. International assignment experience at the top can make a bottom-line difference. Human Resource Management, 39 (2–3): 277–285.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Carpenter, M. A., Sanders, G. W., & Gregersen, H. 2001. Bundling human capital with organizational context: The impact of international assignment experience on multinational firm experience and CEO pay. Academy of Management Journal, 44 (3): 493–511.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cerdin, J. L., Dine, M. A., & Brewster, C. 2014. Qualified immigrants’ success: Exploring the motivation to migrate and to integrate. Journal of International Business Studies, 45 (2): 151–168.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chang, Y. Y., Gong, Y., & Peng, M. W. 2012. Expatriate knowledge transfer, subsidiary absorptive capacity, and subsidiary performance. Academy of Management Journal, 55 (4): 927–948.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chen, G., Kirkman, B. L., Kim, K., Farh, C. I. C., & Tangirala, S. 2010. When does cross-cultural motivation enhance expatriate effectiveness? A multilevel investigation of the moderating roles of subsidiary support and cultural distance. Academy of Management Journal, 53 (5): 1110–1130.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cochran, R. L., & Wood, R. A. 1984. Corporate social responsibility and financial performance. Academy of Management Journal, 27 (1): 42–56.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cohen, W. M., & Levinthal, D. A. 1990. Absorptive capacity: A new perspective on learning and innovation. Administrative Science Quarterly, 35 (1): 128–152.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Colakoglu, S., & Caligiuri, P. 2008. Cultural distance, expatriate staffing, and subsidiary performance: The case of US subsidiaries of multinational corporations. The International Journal of Human Resource Management, 19 (2): 223–239.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Colakoglu, S., Tarique, I., & Caligiuri, P. 2009. Towards a conceptual framework for the relationship between subsidiary staffing strategy and subsidiary performance. International Journal of Human Resource Management, 20 (6): 1291–1308.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Collings, D. G., Scullion, H., & Morley, M. J. 2007. Changing patterns of global staffing in the multinational enterprise: Challenges to the conventional expatriate assignment and emerging alternatives. Journal of World Business, 42 (2): 198–213.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Combs, J., Liu, Y., Hall, A., & Ketchen, D. 2006. How much do high-performance work practices matter? A meta-analysis of their effects on organizational performance. Personnel Psychology, 59 (3): 501–528.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Crook, T. R., Todd, S. Y., Combs, J. G., Woehr, D. J., & Ketchen, Jr., D. J. 2011. Does human capital matter? A meta-analysis of the relationship between human capital and firm performance. Journal of Applied Psychology, 96 (3): 443–456.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cummings, L. L., & Schwab, D. P. 1973. Performance in organizations: Determinants and appraisal. Glenview, IL: Scott, Foresman.

    Google Scholar 

  • Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. 2000. The “what” and “why” of goal pursuits: Human needs and the self-determination of behavior. Psychological Inquiry, 11 (4): 227–268.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Diamantopoulos, A., & Papadopoulos, N. 2010. Assessing the cross-national invariance of formative measures: Guidelines for international business researchers. Journal of International Business Studies, 41 (2): 360–370.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • D’Souza, J., & Megginson, W. L. 1999. The financial and operating performance of privatized firms during the 1990s. Journal of Finance, 54 (4): 1397–1438.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fang, Y., Jiang, G. F., Makino, S., & Beamish, P. 2010. Multinational firm knowledge, use of expatriates, and foreign subsidiary performance. Journal of Management Studies, 47 (1): 27–54.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Freeman, J., Carroll, G. R., & Hannan, M. T. 1983. The liability of newness: Age dependence in organizational death rates. American Sociological Review, 48 (5): 692–710.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Furuya, N., Stevens, M. J., Bird, A., Oddou, G., & Mendenhall, M. 2009. Managing the learning and transfer of global management competence: Antecedents and outcomes of Japanese repatriation effectiveness. Journal of International Business Studies, 40 (2): 200–215.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gaur, A. S., Delios, A., & Singh, K. 2007. Institutional environments, staffing strategies, and subsidiary performance. Journal of Management, 33 (4): 611–636.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gibbs, M., Merchant, K. A., Stede, W. A. V. D., & Vargus, M. E. 2004. Determinants and effects of subjectivity in incentives. The Accounting Review, 79 (2): 409–436.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gupta, A. K., & Govindarajan, V. 2002. Cultivating a global mindset. Academy of Management Executive, 16 (1): 116–126.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Haas, M. R. 2006. Acquiring and applying knowledge in transnational teams: The roles of cosmopolitans and locals. Organization Science, 17 (3): 313–332.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hair, J., Black, W., Babin, B., & Anderson, R. 2010. Multivariate data analysis: A global perspective. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hannan, M. T., & Freeman, J. 1984. Structural inertia and organizational change. American Sociological Review, 49 (1): 149–164.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Haveman, H. A. 1992. Between a rock and a hard place: Organizational change and performance under conditions of fundamental environmental transformation. Administrative Science Quarterly, 37 (1): 28–75.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Herrmann, P., & Datta, D. 2005. Relationships between top management team characteristics and international diversification: An empirical investigation. British Journal of Management, 16 (1): 69–78.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hitt, M. A., Bierman, L., Uhlenbruck, K., & Shimizu, K. 2006a. The importance of resources in the internationalization of professional service firms: The good, the bad, and the ugly. Academy of Management Journal, 49 (6): 1137–1157.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hitt, M. A., Tihanyi, L., Miller, T., & Connelly, B. 2006b. International diversification: Antecedents, outcomes, and moderators. Journal of Management, 32 (6): 831–867.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hocking, J. B., Brown, M., & Harzing, A. W. 2004. A knowledge transfer perspective of strategic assignment purposes and their path-dependent outcomes. International Journal of Human Resource Management, 15 (3): 565–586.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hofmann, D. A., & Gavin, M. B. 1998. Centering decisions in hierarchical linear models: Implications for research in organizations. Journal of Management, 24 (5): 623–641.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hong, H. J. 2010. Bicultural competence and its impact on team effectiveness. International Journal of Cross-Cultural Management, 10 (1): 93–120.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hotho, J. J., Becker-Ritterspach, F., & Saka-Helmhout, A. 2012. Enriching absorptive capacity through social interaction. British Journal of Management, 23 (3): 383–401.

    Google Scholar 

  • Isaksen, S. G., & Lauer, K. J. 2002. The climate for creativity and change in teams. Creativity and Innovation Management, 11 (1): 74–86.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jackson, S. E., Schuler, R. S., & Jiang, K. 2014. An aspirational framework for strategic human resource management. Academy of Management Annals, 8 (1): 1–56.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jansen, J., van den Bosch, F., & Volberda, H. 2005. Managing potential and realized absorptive capacity: How do organizational antecedents matter? Academy of Management Journal, 48 (6): 999–1015.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jiang, K., Lepak, D. P., Hu, J., & Baer, J. C. 2012. How does human resource management influence organizational outcomes? A meta-analytic investigation of mediating mechanisms. Academy of Management Journal, 55 (6): 1264–1294.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Johnson, J. P., Lenartowicz, T., & Apud, S. 2006. Cross-cultural competence in international business: Toward a definition and a model. Journal of International Business Studies, 37 (4): 525–543.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kane, J. S. 1997. Assessment of the situational and individual components of job performance. Human Performance, 10 (3): 193–226.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Katz, R., & Allen, T. 1982. Investigating the not invented here syndrome: A look at the performance, tenure, and communication patterns of 50 R&D project groups. R&D Management, 12 (1): 7–12.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kleinbaum, D. G., Kupper, L. L., Nizam, A., & Muller, K. E. 2007. Applied regression analysis and other multivariable methods. Pacific Grove, CA: Duxbury Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kostova, T. 1999. Transnational transfer of strategic organizational practices: A contextual perspective. Academy of Management Review, 24 (2): 308–324.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kozlowski, S., & Chao, G. 2012. The dynamics of emergence: Cognition and cohesion in work teams. Managerial and Decision Economics, 33 (5–6): 335–354.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kozlowski, S. W. J., & Ilgen, D. R. 2006. Enhancing the effectiveness of work groups and teams. Psychological Sciences in the Public Interest, 7 (1): 77–124.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lado, A., & Wilson, M. C. 1994. Human resource systems and sustained competitive advantage: A competency-based perspective. Academy of Management Review, 19 (4): 699–727.

    Google Scholar 

  • Levy, O., Beechler, S., Taylor, S., & Boyacigiller, N. 2007. What we talk about when we talk about “global mindset”: Managerial cognition in multinational organizations. Journal of International Business Studies, 38 (2): 231–258.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • MacCallum, R. C., & Browne, M. W. 1993. The use of causal indicators in covariance structure models: Some practical issues. Psychological Bulletin, 114 (3): 533–541.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • MacKenzie, S. B., Podsakoff, P. M., & Jarvis, C. B. 2005. The problem of measurement model misspecification in behavioral and organizational research and some recommended solutions. Journal of Applied Psychology, 90 (4): 710–730.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Maznevski, M. L., & Lane, H. W. 2004. Shaping the global mindset: Designing educational experiences for effective global thinking and action. In N. Boyacigiller, R. M. Goodman, & M. Phillips (Eds), Crossing cultures: Insights from master teachers 171–184. London: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mehra, A. 1996. Resource and market based determinants of performance in the US banking industry. Strategic Management Journal, 17 (4): 307–322.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Miller, C. C., Burke, L. M., & Glick, W. H. 1998. Cognitive diversity among upper-echelon executives: Implications for strategic decision processes. Strategic Management Journal, 19 (1): 39–58.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Minbaeva, D. B., Pedersen, T., Björkman, I., Fey, C., & Park, H. 2003. MNC knowledge transfer, subsidiary absorptive capacity, and HRM. Journal of International Business Studies, 34 (6): 586–599.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mitchell, T. R. 1982. Motivation: New directions for theory, research and practice. Academy of Management Review, 7 (1): 80–88.

    Google Scholar 

  • Morris, S. S., & Snell, S. A. 2011. Intellectual capital configurations and organizational capability: An empirical examination of human resource subunits in the multinational enterprise. Journal of International Business Studies, 42 (6): 805–827.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Morris, S. S., Wright, P. M., Trevor, J., Stiles, P., Stahl, G. K., Snell, S., Paauwe, J., & Farndale, E. 2009. Global challenges to reciprocating HR: The role of people, processes, and systems. Human Resource Management, 48 (6): 973–995.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nadkarni, S., Herrmann, P., & Perez, P. D. 2011. Domestic mindsets and early international performance: The moderating effect of global industry conditions. Strategic Management Journal, 32 (5): 510–531.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Newbert, S. L. 2007. Empirical research on the resource-based view of the firm: An assessment and suggestions for future research. Strategic Management Journal, 28 (2): 121–146.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ng, K.Y., van Dyne, L., & Ang, S. 2009. Developing global leaders: The role of international experience and cultural intelligence. In W. H. Mobley, Y. Wang, & M. Li (Eds.), Advances in global leadership. Vol. 5: 225-250. Bingley, UK: Emerald Group Publishing Ltd.

  • Nielsen, B. B., & Nielsen, S. 2011. The role of top management team nationality diversity in international strategic decision-making: The choice of foreign entry mode. Journal of World Business, 46 (2): 185–193.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nunnally, J. C., & Bernstein, I. H. 1994. Psychometric theory. New York: McGraw-Hill.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nyberg, A. J., Moliterno, T. P., Hale, D., & Lepak, D. P. 2014. Resource-based perspectives on unit-level human capital: A review and integration. Journal of Management, 40 (1): 316–346.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Oddou, G., Osland, J., & Blakeney, R. 2009. Repatriating knowledge: Variables influencing the “transfer” process. Journal of International Business Studies, 40 (2): 181–199.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Payne, S. C., Finch, J. F., & Tremble, T. R. 2003. Validating surrogate measures of psychological constructs: The application of construct equivalence to archival data. Organizational Research Methods, 6 (3): 363–382.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Peters, L. H., & O’Connor, E. J. 1980. Situational constraints and work outcomes: The influences of a frequently overlooked construct. Academy of Management Review, 5 (3): 391–397.

    Google Scholar 

  • Piaskowska, D., & Trojanowski, G. 2014. Twice as smart? The importance of managers’ formative-years’ international experience for their international orientation and foreign acquisition decisions. British Journal of Management, 25 (1): 40–57.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pless, N. M., Maak, T., & Stahl, G. K. 2011. Developing responsible global leaders through international service-learning programs: The Ulysses experience. Academy of Management Learning & Education, 10 (2): 237–260.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ployhart, R. E., & Moliterno, T. P. 2011. Emergence of the human capital resource: A multilevel model. Academy of Management Review, 36 (1): 127–150.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ployhart, R. E., Weekley, J. A., & Ramsey, J. 2009. The consequences of human resource stocks and flows: A longitudinal examination of unit service orientation and unit effectiveness. Academy of Management Journal, 52 (5): 996–1015.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Podsakoff, P. M., MacKenzie, S. B., Lee, J., & Podsakoff, N. P. 2003. Common method biases in behavioral research: A critical review of the literature and recommended remedies. Journal of Applied Psychology, 88 (5): 879–903.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Preacher, K. J., Curran, P. J., & Bauer, D. J. 2006. Computational tools for probing interaction effects in multiple linear regression, multilevel modeling, and latent curve analysis. Journal of Educational and Behavioral Statistics, 31 (4): 437–448.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ramaswamy, K., Kroeck, K. G., & Renforth, W. 1996. Measuring the degree of internationalization of a firm: A comment. Journal of International Business Studies, 27 (1): 167–177.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Reiche, B. S. 2012. Knowledge benefits of social capital upon repatriation: A longitudinal study of international assignees. Journal of Management Studies, 49 (6): 1052–1077.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Reinholt, M., Pedersen, T., & Foss, N. J. 2011. Why a central network position is not enough: The role of motivation and ability for knowledge sharing in employee networks. Academy of Management Journal, 54 (6): 1277–1297.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rosenkopf, L., & Almeida, P. 2003. Overcoming local search through alliances and mobility. Management Science, 49 (3): 751–766.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rothschild, M. 1999. Carrots, sticks, and promises: A conceptual framework for the management of public health and social issues behavior. Journal of Marketing, 63 (1): 24–37.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sambharya, R. B. 1996. Foreign experience of top management teams and international diversification strategies of US multinational corporations. Strategic Management Journal, 17 (9): 739–746.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schijven, M., & Hitt, M. A. 2012. The vicarious wisdom of crowds: Toward a behavioral perspective on investor reactions to acquisition announcements. Strategic Management Journal, 33 (11): 1247–1268.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shaffer, M. A., Harrison, D. A., & Gilley, K. M. 1999. Dimensions, determinants, and differences in the expatriate adjustment process. Journal of International Business Studies, 30 (3): 557–581.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shapiro, J. M., Ozanne, J. L., & Saatcioglu, B. 2008. An interpretive examination of the development of cultural sensitivity in international business. Journal of International Business Studies, 39 (1): 71–87.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shaw, J. D., Park, T., & Kim, E. 2013. A resource-based perspective on human capital losses, HRM investments, and organizational performance. Strategic Management Journal, 34 (5): 572–589.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Siemsen, E., Roth, A. V., & Balasubramanian, S. 2008. How motivation, ability and opportunity drive knowledge-sharing: The constraining-factor model. Journal of Operations Management, 26 (3): 426–445.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sørensen, J. B. 2002. The strength of corporate culture and the reliability of firm performance. Administrative Science Quarterly, 47 (1): 70–91.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stewart, G. L., & Nandkeolyar, A. K. 2006. Adaptation and intra-individual variation in sales outcomes: Exploring the interactive effects of personality and environmental opportunity. Personnel Psychology, 59 (2): 307–332.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sullivan, D. 1994. Measuring the degree of internationalization of a firm. Journal of International Business Studies, 25 (2): 325–342.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sveiby, K. E., & Simons, R. 2002. Collaborative climate and effectiveness of knowledge work-an empirical study. Journal of Knowledge Management, 6 (5): 420–433.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Takeuchi, R., Shay, J. P., & Li, J. 2008. When does decision autonomy increase expatriate managers’ adjustment? An empirical test. Academy of Management Journal, 51 (1): 45–60.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Teece, D. J. 2007. Explicating dynamic capabilities: The nature and microfoundations of (sustainable) enterprise performance. Strategic Management Journal, 28 (13): 1319–1350.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • van Riel, C. B. M., Berens, G., & Dijkstra, M. 2009. Stimulating strategically aligned behavior among employees. Journal of Management Studies, 46 (7): 1197–1226.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vermeulen, F., & Barkema, H. 2001. Learning through acquisitions. Academy of Management Journal, 44 (3): 457–476.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Waldman, D. A., & Spangler, W. D. 1989. Putting together the pieces: A closer look at the determinants of job performance. Human Performance, 2 (1): 29–59.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Werner, S. 2002. Recent developments in international management research: A review of 20 top management journals. Journal of Management, 28 (3): 277–305.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wiseman, R. M. 2009. On the use and misuse of ratio variables in strategic management research. In D. Bergh, & D. Ketchen (Eds), Research methodology in strategy in management. Vol. 5: 75–110. Bingley: Emerald.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Wooldridge, J. M. 2008. Introductory econometrics: A modern approach. Cincinnati, OH: South-Western College Publishing.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wright, P. M., Coff, R., & Moliterno, T. 2014. Strategic human capital: Crossing the great divide. Journal of Management, 40 (2): 353–370.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wright, P. M., & McMahan, G. C. 2011. Exploring human capital: Putting human back into strategic human resource management. Human Resource Management Journal, 21 (2): 93–104.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wright, P. M., & Snell, S. A. 1998. Toward a unifying framework for exploring fit and flexibility in strategic human resource management. Academy of Management Review, 23 (4): 756–772.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wu, Y., Balasubramanian, S., & Mahajan, V. 2004. When is a pre-announced product likely to be delayed? Journal of Marketing, 68 (2): 101–113.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zaheer, S. 1995. Overcoming the liability of foreignness. Academy of Management Journal, 38 (2): 341–363.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zahra, S. A., & George, G. 2002. Absorptive capacity: A review, reconceptualization, and extension. Academy of Management Review, 27 (2): 185–203.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

We are grateful to our editor, Paula Caligiuri, and three anonymous reviewers for their insightful and constructive recommendations. We also thank Roger Blakeney for his helpful comments on an earlier version of this manuscript. The first two authors contributed equally to this manuscript.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Management, C.T. Bauer College of Business, University of Houston, Houston, USA

    Kyoung Yong Kim & Steve Werner

  2. Department of Management, College of Business Administration, University of Missouri – St Louis, St Louis, USA

    Seemantini Pathak

Authors
  1. Kyoung Yong Kim
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Seemantini Pathak
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Steve Werner
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Additional information

Accepted by Paula Caligiuri, Area Editor, 1 March 2015. This article has been with the authors for three revisions.

APPENDIX

APPENDIX

Table A1

Table A1 Scale descriptions – measurement items
Full size table

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Kim, K., Pathak, S. & Werner, S. When do international human capital enhancing practices benefit the bottom line? An ability, motivation, and opportunity perspective. J Int Bus Stud 46, 784–805 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1057/jibs.2015.10

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/jibs.2015.10

Keywords

Search

Navigation