The roles of the psychology, systems and economic theories in human resource development

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study was to explore the foundational theories in human resource development (HRD) by reviewing the literature from an HRD perspective. The following research questions guide the study: What are the core theories related to adult and professional education, organizational development and strategic HRD? What are the conceptual frameworks associated with adult and professional education, organizational development and strategic HRD? How have these theories and conceptual frameworks applied the research and practice of HRD? Design/methodology/approach This study reviewed the HRD definitions and core theories. The core theories and conceptual frameworks related to adult and professional education, organizational development and strategic human resource development were described. The application of these theories and conceptual frameworks to the research and practice of HRD was addressed. Findings The psychology theories that were explored were the adult learning theories, and that gestalt-psychology, behavioral psychology and cognitive psychology were illustrated. Systems theory was explored and explained in relation to organization development. Economic theory was explored and explained focusing on human capital theory; and it was demonstrated how economic theory is associated with strategic HRD. Originality/value The core-theory description and linking to adult and professional education, organizational development and strategic HRD may give understanding of the HRD foundations and ethical perspective that is essential for both scholars and professionals. The conceptual frameworks presented can be used to help facilitate discussions on developing or implementing HRD programs.

Leaders' attitudes towards, and commitment to quality management of training within the military

“…The systems theory offers a collection of elements concerned with the performance of the whole, which is affected by each one of its parts (Ju, 2019). A system consists of inputs, processes, outputs and feedback that are in a constant feedback loop (Ju, 2019). Within a QM of training context, for example, the inputs refer to resources (human, finances, customer needs) and/or consistencies or inconsistencies (knowledge obtained from defects identified in the QM system) identified from feedback.…”

“…The systems theory offers a collection of elements concerned with the performance of the whole, which is affected by each one of its parts (Ju, 2019). A system consists of inputs, processes, outputs and feedback that are in a constant feedback loop (Ju, 2019).…”

“…The outputs are high quality products or services [such as training] gained from adequate processes, and the feedback refers to consistencies and/or inconsistencies detected in processes and outcomes. This should be a continuous cycle starting with input to feedback – the feedback also serves as input in the continuous cycle (Ju, 2019). The systems theory also relates to the context of the SA Army; as a system, it consists of different levels or subsystems that affect each other and are mutually interdependent.…”

Exploring Malaysia Public Private Partnership Success

“…This study is based on the classical system theory of input-process-output. Even though system theory has been criticised for its inability to illustrate any knowledge domain in a most specific manner, it helps frame a conceptual situation relationship such as in a PPP setting (Carr-Chellman & Carr-Chellman, 2020;Ju, 2019;Swanson et al, 2020;Thomassen et al, 2017). Understanding PPP process success will help appropriate intervention for the PPP outcome's success (Albert et al, 2017;Ariño, 2003;Dowling et al, 2004).…”

The Urgency of Education in Economic Development and Human Resources: A Theoretical Perspective

“…Therefore, the government's attention to the development of this sector must be serious, for example, commitment to the budget in the education sector is not inferior to other sectors, so that the success of investment in the form of economic intervention or budget support referred to in education is correlated with progress in macro development, including economic development itself. In terms of human development, Ju (2019) said that education can provide an understanding of the basics of human resource development, and from an ethical perspective which is important for educated and professional circles. In fact, Kicheva-Kirova & Kirov (2015) said to maintain the stability of human resource development requires lifelong education or continuing education (Eid, 2017).…”