M.P.H.M Gunawardana Decentralization vs. Centralization in Global HRM Practices: A Comparative Analysis. In Global Human Resource Management (GHRM), companies have to take crucial decisions: should HR functions be centralized at the corporate level or decentralized to local subsidiaries? Each approach has its advantages and disadvantages, and the correct model often depends on factors such as strategic alignment, cultural adaptation, cost efficiency, and talent management. 1. Strategic Alignment: Global Coherence vs. Local Flexibility Centralized HRM guarantees uniformity and strategic alignment across regions, helping maintain consistent corporate culture and goals (Kraimer et al., 2018). However, decentralization allows local subsidiaries to adapt HR practices to regional requirements offering flexibility in response to local market conditions (Brewster et al., 2020). While centralization maintains a cohesive global strategy, decentralization allows for greater responsiven...