Understanding HRD: a research based approach

This paper essentially explores the theoretical perspectives of Human Resource Development (HRD), by providing an overview of the range of theoretical paradigms, which are applied in both the USA and Europe. This affords a deeper understanding of the academic boundaries and scope of the discipline of HRD. It applies a conceptual framework to a comparative analysis of current research in HRD, facilitating analysis in relation to theoretical stance, empirical contexts and methodological position for a range of specific research projects and the wider research community, as reported in recent literature. The paper concludes by presenting a range of critical reflections on HRD research.