Many of the most pressing global challenges facing global firms today are directly associated with several significant global talent challenges. These global talent challenges arise due to the everchanging drivers and shapers in the environment. In particular, among the major drivers and shapers are: enhanced globalization, evolving demographics, the need for more competencies and motivation, and the growing shortage/surplus of needed competencies and motivation as depicted in Fig. 1. For firms throughout the world, the changing environment—particularly during volatile economic and financial periods of boom-and-bust such as those experienced in recent years—presents both global talent challenges and an opportunity to gain a sustainable global competitive advantage. In addition to gaining competitive advantage, firms
may also be able to expand their bench strength, develop an attractive employer brand and create several attractive employee value propositions that will help attract and retain valued employees.