AbstractAn analytical framework for practitioners and researchers to use in managing emerging human resource issues is presented. It integrates strategic human resource development activities with the external competitive, public issue environment and the internal needs of organizations. Over two thousand articles were reviewed and grouped to determine the emerging categories of human resource issues demanding attention. Strategic issues management includes issues identification, issue analysis, strategic formulation, and strategy implementation. The HRD professional can use the issue life cycle model as a conceptual framework for strategic issues management to improve HRD effectiveness in the coming years. The framework suggests a need for close cooperation between traditionally externally oriented departments, like public affairs, and the human resources department.