CHAPTER 4
The Role of Theory
and Philosophy in
Human Resource
Development
Chapter Outline
• Introduction
• Recognizing the TheoryDevelopment Journey as Research
• Requirements of a Sound Theory
• Philosophy and Theory
Underlying HRD
• Philosophical Metaphors for
HRD Theory and Practice
-- Contributed by Karen E. Watkins
• Conclusion
• Reflection Questions
Introduction
• Importance
of Theory
• Importance of
Theory Development
• Definition of Theory
• Theory-Development
Process
Recognizing the
Theory-Development
Journey as Research
Requirements of
a Sound Theory
Philosophy and Theory
Underlying HRD
Philosophical Metaphors for HRD
Theory and Practice
-- Contributed by Karen E. Watkins
• Organizational Problem Solver
• Organizational Change Agent/
Interventionist or Helper
• Organizational Designer
• Organizational Empowerer/
Meaning Maker
• Developer of Human Capital
Chapter 4
Reflection Questions
1. Why would someone argue that good theory is practical?
2. What is theory? Give a definition and an explanation.
3. Of the HRD theory references cited on pages _______ , which one
interests you the most? Why?
4. Which of the five philosophical metaphors for HRD theory presented by
Dr. Karen Watkins makes the most sense to you? Explain why?
5. Which of the five philosophical metaphors for HRD theory makes the
most sense to a high-tech business organization? Explain why.