Examining the dominant, emerging, and waning themes featuring in select HRD publications: Is it time to redefine HRD?

Ghosh, R.; Kim, M.; Kim, S.; Callahan, J.L.

Abstract

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to identify how themes and contributions featured in the four scholarly journals sponsored by the largest human resource development (HRD) research association (the Academy of Human Resource Development, AHRD) reflect the changing identity of the HRD field.

Design/methodology/approach
A frequency and content analysis of articles published during the period 2002-2011 was conducted to identify the dominant themes and research trend. Further, comments were made on the aims and scope and editorial discretion for each journal to understand how the journals influence the direction of scholarship in HRD.

Findings
It was found that the boundaries of the field are constantly expanding with some of the older and mature themes losing momentum and new themes coming to the forefront of scholarly interest. The journals were found to play a critical role in setting the future direction for the field.

Research limitations/implications
Future researchers can examine if the waxing and waning themes identified in the findings remain same after analyzing contributions featured in journals that are not sponsored by the AHRD, but publish articles on topics closely related to HRD. Also, the findings can guide further examination of the editors’ leadership role in driving the evolution of the HRD field.

Practical implications
Considering the characteristics of HRD as an applied discipline, the findings can guide future researchers to explore if the thematic changes as identified in the study are associated with the needs of HRD practice.

Originality/value
The study attempts to understand the landscape of HRD research by looking at how the field’s identity boundaries have shifted over time and how different entities, like authors and editors publishing scholarly articles in the four HRD journals in the past decade, have interacted to contribute to the shift.

Citation

Ghosh, R., Kim, M., Kim, S., & Callahan, J. (2014). Examining the dominant, emerging, and waning themes featuring in select HRD publications: Is it time to redefine HRD?. European Journal of Training and Development, 38(4), 302-322. https://doi.org/10.1108/EJTD-02-2013-0012

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Online Publication Date: Apr 29, 2014
• Publication Date: 2014
• Deposit Date: Oct 19, 2021
• Journal: European Journal of Training and Development
• Print ISSN: 2046-9012
• Publisher: Emerald
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 38
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 302-322
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/EJTD-02-2013-0012
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1234515
• Additional Information: Emerald Literati Highly Commended Paper Award