The literature cites a number of re

The literature cites a number of reasons for short-term assignments, which our exploratory study confirms (seeTable 1).
However, the literature neglects that, for certain organizations, short-term international assignments are an inherent part of their operations and vital to their ongoing performance. In the Irish Defence Forces, deployments are generally of four to six months, and can in some cases extend to 12 months. Further research on the importance and use of STIAs across organizations would develop the conceptualization of this international staffing category within IHRM.