This editorial investigates the tension between universalist human resource management (HRM) practices and the necessity of adapting these strategies to diverse international contexts. The authors, Chris Brewster and Patrick Wright, utilize their extensive expertise in international HRM to argue against the 'one-size-fits-all' approach, metaphorically comparing the rigidity of 'Lycra' to the failure of standardized management models when applied across varying cultural and economic landscapes. They propose a framework that prioritizes contextual sensitivity over global standardization.

Experts in the field of international management frequently cite this editorial as a foundational critique of the convergence theory in HRM. Scholars note the clarity of the authors' arguments regarding the necessity of contextual adaptation in global business operations.