INTERNACIONALIZAÇÃO - EDIÇÃO ESPECIAL – ISSN1809-046X Centro Universitário Estácio Juiz de Fora 1 CONTEXTUAL INFLUENCES ON HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT: CONSIDERATIONS AND EVALUATIONS ON THE VARIOUS EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL FACTORS THAT SHAPE AND INFLUENCE HRD IN ORGANISATIONS Charles Alves de Castro 1 ABSTRACT This article aims to briefly understand and evaluate the main external and internal factors that impact directly on human resources development area within the organisations, mainly related to multinational companies. Also, it discusses the various aspects and influences on HRD - (Human Resources Development) such as societal, organisational/local, global, that impacts on costs, environment, regulations, policies, culture, beliefs, technology and values. This research was carried out by way of a literature review. This is important to demonstrate, explain and evaluate the current existent literature about this specific theme covered in this article. Furthermore, through this review we compared previous research on HRD. In conclusion, there is a discussion on the HRD´s importance for companies and professionals, as well as recommendations for companies` concerns. Overall, HRD professionals should be flexible to adapt to external trends, change at the right step and develop the competencies required by their organisations. KEY-WORDS: Human Resources Development. External and Internal Factors. Organisations. INTRODUCTION This article aims to critically investigate and evaluate the main external and internal factors that shape and influence HRD – Human Resources Development in 1 Bacharel em Administração e Processos Gerenciais pelo Centro Universitário Newton Paiva. M.Sc. em Gestão de Recursos Humanos pela University of Limerick, charlesturcastro@yahoo.com.br