The status of intervention research in HRD: Assessment of an applied discipline and potential for advancement
European Journal of Training and Development
ISSN: 2046-9012
Article publication date: 6 September 2016
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to determine the quantity, nature and frequency of intervention research published in Human Resource Development (HRD) journals.
Design/methodology/approach
The methodology for this study was a literature review, analysis and synthesis with specific attention to locating intervention research in HRD journals.
Findings
Based on the results of this study, it seems clear that intervention research is not a fundamental research method for HRD professionals and is not being consistently conducted across the HRD field. This raises potential questions about the extent to which HRD professionals are integrating research and practice. The presence and conduct of intervention research applied to HRD-related problems may provide another means for practitioners and scholars to work together toward optimal, practical solutions with evidence to support them.
Originality/value
Creating a community of professionals who assess and/or evaluate the effectiveness of the interventions and disseminate the information that lean toward causal claims is critical. Intervention research could represent a cultural shift for the HRD discipline because it lends weight to claims of causality and practical recommendations. Under these circumstances, HRD intervention research could be used with confidence by HRD practitioners to inform, shape or evaluate the content of their management and leadership training programs, including the training and development of coaching managers and coaching leaders.
Keywords
Citation
Kalis, L.E., Garza, N.M., Chermack, T.J., Dzirasa, V.A. and Hutt, M.J. (2016), "The status of intervention research in HRD: Assessment of an applied discipline and potential for advancement", European Journal of Training and Development, Vol. 40 No. 8/9, pp. 583-594. https://doi.org/10.1108/EJTD-06-2015-0048
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2016, Emerald Group Publishing Limited