Richard A. Swanson

Human resource development and its underlying theory

This article asserts the importance of clearly specifying the underlying theory of HRD, and challenges those who do not see this as essential to the profession. The central argument is that HRD must continue to mature as a discipline and that the integration of selected psychological, economic and systems theories serve as the unique theoretical foundation of HRD.

The Foundations of Performance Improvement and Implications for Practice

The Problem and the Solution . A problem faced by almost all organizations, and by those who work in them, is in meeting the constant demand for high performance The demand for high performance affects everything, from assunng sustainable financial growth of the organization to satisfying the next customer standing at the front counter But without a holistic mental model of performance and the theoretical elements that drive it, practitioners are left with the task of dissecting and interpreting each situation they face Or even worse, they simply charge ahead in a trial-and-error mode Performance improvement theory results in powerful and practical principles and models to help practitioners identify and solve performance problems

The Idea of National HRD: An Analysis Based on Economics and Theory Development Methodology

Recent human resource development (HRD) literature focuses attention on national HRD (NHRD) research and represents problems in both HRD identity and research methodology. Based on a review of development economics and international development literature, this study analyzes the existing NHRD literature with respect to the theory development methodology. The study presents four propositions that challenge the present idea of NHRD. This study concludes that the methods used in the NHRD literature fall short in rigor when compared to economic theory research. This study also presents detailed implications for NHRD policy research and theory development.

Scenario Planning: Human Resource Development's Strategic Learning Tool

This article introduces the concepts of scenario planning and HRD. A discussion of the major areas of overlap is provided, the links are clarified in a strategic context, and clear opportunities for both researchers and practitioners are outlined.This article also provides a short overview of what is to come in this issue of ADHR.The authors carefully outline this issue and each of its major points for optimizing HRD professionals as they work to leverage scenario planning as HRDs strategic learning tool.

Theory Framework for Applied Disciplines: Boundaries, Contributing, Core, Useful, Novel, and Irrelevant Components

Most applied disciplines are attempting to make significant advancements in articulating the theoretical foundation of their fields of study. The theory discussions and theory research in most applied disciplines are not held together in a manner that allows interpretation and integration. This article presents a holistic theory framework for applied disciplines to help scholars and practitioners create and critique the theory of an applied discipline as well as the contributing, core, useful, novel, and irrelevant theory components within it. Each of the six components in the framework are described and illustrated through relevant theory examples. The role that each component plays in advancing the theory and practice in an applied discipline is also examined.

Training delivery problems and solutions: Identification of novice trainer problems and expert trainer solutions

The authors surveyed 371 personnel trainers, asking them to recall training delivery problems or difficulties they had experienced as novices. The analysis of their 1,098 responses led us to conclude that novice trainers faced twelve common training delivery problems. Twenty expert trainers were subsequently surveyed and asked to report their successful strategies for dealing with each of the problems. The analysis of their responses concludes with expert advice on how to deal with the twelve common training delivery problems.

Economics and Human Resource Development: A Rejoinder

This article focuses on the areas agreement between two recent and seemingly disparate Human Resource Development Review articles by Wang and Swanson (2008) and McLean, Lynham, Azevedo, Lawrence, and Nafukho (2008). The foundational roles of economics in human resource development theory and practice are highlighted as well as the need for comparative studies. A framework for conducting comparative human resource development policy studies is proposed.

Evaluation, a State of Mind

The problem and the solution. Many human resource development professionals do not have a predisposition toward measurement and evaluation. The overall state of measurement and evaluation practices in the profession is dismal. As an effort to clarify these conditions, this article explores the proposition that evaluation is not so much a purposeful process as it is a state of mind from both researcher and practitioner perspectives.

Economic Foundation of Human Resource Development: Advancing the Theory and Practice of the Discipline

The problem and the Solution . Economics theory, together with systems and psychological theories, is considered the core theories integrated to create the foundation for the human resource development discipline. Few human resource development scholars have explored the full potential of the economics and its implications for human resource development theory, research, and practice.This article presents a rationale for focusing on economics and an introduction to selected specific economic theories relevant to human resource development.

Defining Intergalactic Human Resource Development (IHRD)

Abstract This satirical essay questions both the rigor and relevance of the practice of promoting definitions that simply reflect an area of interest with HRD. The discipline of HRD needs clear and concise overarching definitions that work everywhere.