In the discussion and conceptualization of global talent challenges, context is extremely important. Fig. 1 depicts the
framework of the major contextual forces and shape of global talent challenges and several HR policies and practices used in crafting global management talent initiatives to manage global talent challenges. We propose that an understanding of the realities and trends of these contextual forces and shape is essential to identifying the global talent challenges and crafting the appropriate global talent management initiatives. Thus we want to initiate that understanding here and identify sources of information that can be used to stay informed of the new realities and trends.