Internationalisation of Chinese banks and financial institutions and its implications for IHRM

In this special issue (SI), we aim to advance the theoretical and empirical knowledge of emerging market service firms by analysing some of the key IHRM implications of the internationalisation of Chinese banks and financial institutions (BFIs). The selected articles in this SI provide rich insight into the human resource management (HRM) challenges these firms face when they establish operations in overseas markets and draws attention to trends and developments which challenge the way HRM has been understood in Chinese multinational enterprises (MNEs). The articles address the importance of Chinese BFIs relationship with the state and the influence of political ties in the formation of management leadership styles and managerial mindset. Included, as part of our contribution to this SI, is an analysis of a major Chinese bank’s subsidiary operation highlighting its human resources practices, adaptation strategies and relationship with its head office.