The increasing complexity of the internationally mobile professional : Issues for research and practice

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop a research agenda and raise practical issues relating to the increasing complexity of the internationally mobile professional. Design/methodology/approach – The paper considers the developing issues in the use of alternative forms of international assignment (short‐term, commuter, flexpatriate) and the existence of the independent internationally mobile professional and raises questions for research and practice. Findings – The paper suggests that alternative forms of international assignment and assignee are under‐ researched. Additionally, the large number of independently mobile professionals in the global economy need to be further researched, while organizations should recruit for international assignments from the external as well as internal labour markets when circumstances allow. Originality/value – The paper raises under‐researched questions in the study of international assignments and suggests more strategic approaches to the practice of managing international assignments.