Models for Human Resource Development Practice: Contributions from the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD)

Abstract

This paper addresses the relevant issues pertaining to the ASTD competency studies sponsored by the American Society for Training and Development in the United States. The issues covered include the definition of HRD and related concepts, an overview of the eight most relevant HRD competency studies conducted between 1970 and 2015, the contribution of ASTD studies to HRD practice, components of HRD, the criticisms as well as the development of HRD practitioner roles and competencies. Referred journal articles, books and unpublished doctoral dissertations were reviewed in this study. It was found that the HRD profession is undergoing an evolutionary transformation that requires the attention of both practitioners and academicians. The journey to establishing HRD as a separate field of professional study and practice has just begun. The paper therefore, seeks to contribute theoretically to the emergent role of ASTD competency models in ensuring the growth of HRD as a field of academic study and professional practice.