Positionality of Place: calling attention to the role location plays in HRD research

Positionality statements have become increasingly popular in research articles, particularly in qualitative studies. While these statements aid readers in situating the researcher’s perspective in their lived experience, we do not often extend the same level of thought to the location where the research occurs. This Perspectives piece aims to provoke human resource development (HRD) researchers to consider including a Positionality of Place statement in their studies to describe the situatedness and intersectional aspects of the research site. We contend that this will bring appropriate attention to the complex, entangled position of research sites as part of local, regional, and global systems.